Another Day

It is painful at times, but sometimes we find ourselves uttering the words of the Psalmist:

Psalms 77:7-9  ”Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?  (8)  Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?  (9)  Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”

Living in our sin-corrupted flesh is spiritual agony when we are brought to remember the holiness of God’s being and standards. The weight of guilt and the crushing blows of sin assailing our conscience can be so powerful that we cry out like the psalmist and query God: will it be forever? Will there never be restoration from God? Has everything promised to His people failed on account of our imperfection and worthlessness? Is there no grace left for me?

This last one echoes home the cry of Esau, the foolish son of Isaac: “Bless me, even me also, O my father! … Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” It chills me to remember that moment in Esau’s life where it seems like time has just stood still, and that the revelation of his hopelessness sunk into his mind, and what remained was horror! No blessing for me! How can a person live his life confidently and with joy unless he has confirmation of future blessings, or an anticipation of fruits from his labour?

Sin presses the believer low, until he even doubts whether an infinitely holy God would ever forgive or give comfort to his crushed body.

(10) Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.” (11) I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. (12) I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. (13) Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? (14) You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. (15) You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah (16) When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. (17) The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; your arrows flashed on every side. (18) The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. (19) Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. (20) You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The comfort comes to God’s children who is brought low by the reminder that the Lord is a merciful God, who has proven Himself to be one, time and time again in the pages of Scripture. He has not failed to redeem his people who has truly repented of their sins and submitted their hope in the Lord’s appointed Redeemer (v.15). Each time Israel cried out in pain and in tears over the oppression afflicted upon them because of their sinful idolatry and spiritual adultery, God brings His redeemer to save them (time and time again). The believer might seek to divorce God through his actions, but God is a faithful God who remembers His covenant and rectifies it!

Who can stop or hinder the Lord in His merciful dealings to His people? The powerful elements of the earth would cower behind the glimpse of God’s approach to redeem His people. No one but God can show such mercy (v.19c). He is the shepherd who does what is necessary to bring back his sheep into His fold.

This is a psalm that truly comforts the hearts of those troubled by the raging tempest of a fallen world.

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