Day 167
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| An Asaph Moment |
Scripture
Observation
Asaph, composer of the five psalms you will read today, struggles with some of the most difficult questions of life: why do the wicked prosper? (73, 75); why do the righteous suffer? (74); why do prayers seemingly go unanswered? (77). In the midst of fearfulness and uncertainty, Asaph discovers there is an immovable Rock.
Application
How do you respond when your thoughts turn to memories of the past? Is it a painful experience? Do you find yourself longing for "the good old days"? Does it provide hope for today?
Memories of the past play a vital role in Asaph's thinking as he records Psalm 77. Lying on his bed at night and anxiously searching for God's comfort (v. 1-6), he finds himself asking, "God, have you changed? Are you still interested in me and my problems?" But then Asaph remembers God's work down through the history (v. 1-12): His redemption of the nation from bondage; his guidance of the people through the Red Sea; his provision of food and water where there was none. And suddenly, aided by his good memory of God's past dealings, Asaph finds his pity turned to praise.
Have you been "battling the blues" lately? Here's a divine remedy that worked for Asaph and will work for you too. Think back over yesterday and identify at least one good thing God did for you in the area of provision, protection, or guidance. Now do the same with last week and last month and last year. If your memory fails you, enlist the help of your spouse, children, parent and/or friends. Tie a string around your finger to remind you throughout the rest of the day to "recall the many miracles he did for me" (v. 11).
Memories of the past play a vital role in Asaph's thinking as he records Psalm 77. Lying on his bed at night and anxiously searching for God's comfort (v. 1-6), he finds himself asking, "God, have you changed? Are you still interested in me and my problems?" But then Asaph remembers God's work down through the history (v. 1-12): His redemption of the nation from bondage; his guidance of the people through the Red Sea; his provision of food and water where there was none. And suddenly, aided by his good memory of God's past dealings, Asaph finds his pity turned to praise.
Have you been "battling the blues" lately? Here's a divine remedy that worked for Asaph and will work for you too. Think back over yesterday and identify at least one good thing God did for you in the area of provision, protection, or guidance. Now do the same with last week and last month and last year. If your memory fails you, enlist the help of your spouse, children, parent and/or friends. Tie a string around your finger to remind you throughout the rest of the day to "recall the many miracles he did for me" (v. 11).
Prayer
Dear Father, through prayer we can discover and experience you anew each day. We don't have to be slippery in our faith now nor into the future when we are doers of your Word. Thank you for drawing us closer to You while we magnify your mightiness. In Jesus name! Amen!
© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2020
