How often do we cry out to God in our troubles but are distant from God when times are good. We remember how, in prayer, He pulled us through, in times past. David was distraught, when he said, 1“I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.” Because of the pains he was going through, he just let it all out. He knew God was listening but still didn’t feel comforted at all. He was up all night, and couldn’t find rest. Even at one point, he thought, 1“Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?” How many times have you felt this way. It truly is a terrible feeling when everything seems to be going wrong and peace is hard to find. We might think that the mercies of God is no where to be found, when we have sinned. Even David said, 1“Is his mercy clean gone for ever?” 1“Hath God forgotten to be gracious?” When things are dark and gloomy, these feelings may come over us. But in all this, there is joy to be found. Wait on the Lord and think about His goodness and you will be filled with hope.
When David started thinking about years past and how God was so good to him, his feelings started to change. His frame of mind shifted when it was caught up in the wonders of God. He said, 1“I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.” Instead of continuing to focus on what isn’t going right, his thoughts turned to God and that changed the atmosphere. When it became less of him and more about God, that is when the change occurred. You can sense this in what he says next, 1“I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?” Once he remembered how great our God is, his worries were over. His issues became light as his mind was caught up on the redemption of the Lord. 1“Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.” Just like David, the Lord is more than willing to help us. Just look at what happened with David, as an example. When your thoughts focus on the redeeming blood of Jesus, the Spirit is able to come in and calm our nerves. Just remember that the presence of God should be the focal point of your life and not just in trials.
Let us pray:
Lord, I know that You love me. You are always listening when I come to You. Never have you cast me away but always welcomed me in. Oh How great are Your mercies. When I am down, it is so good to know that You are there. In times of happiness and joy, you give me guidance. I am grateful to have Your presence in my life. Your will is what I desire. The Spirit is what brings me closer to You, Lord Jesus. Even in times of distress, the Spirit speaks to my soul and helps me understand the situation. You bring me peace when there is none to be found. Your loving arms come over me and help me know that I am loved. People can fail me in life but I know that Your love never fails. Thank You Lord. Be there for my friends and family also, that are in need. I pray that they do seek You. There is rest when You are around. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Psalm 77 (KJV)
1 I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.
7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more?
8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?
9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
11 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.
12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.
13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?
14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.
15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.
17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.
18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.
19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.
20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.