READ: Ps. 77:1–20: … Who is so great a God as our God?
The psalmist Asaph is disappointed in the LORD. This makes him almost despair. He has the impression that the LORD no longer loves His people and is no longer favourable toward them. In the past it was very different. But now he wonders whether God will ever again show His grace to His people. This causes him deep sorrow.
Yet it is striking that as a believer who knows God the questions the psalmist asks in verses 7–9, should all be answered in the negative. No, the Lord never casts off His own. No, God’s lovingkindness never ceases toward those who love Him. No, the fulfilment of His promises never comes to an end. No, God has not forgotten to be gracious.
We must therefore understand these questions of Asaph as an appeal directed to the LORD. His greatest sorrow would be if he had to conclude that God’s dealings with His people had changed (v.10). Is He no longer the Helper and Deliverer of His people?
The thought expressed by Asaph may also arise in our own hearts. What evidence do we see of God’s government and help when the church continues to grow smaller and the world becomes increasingly ungodly? But may we think this way about God, who in Christ has already fulfilled so many of His promises and who, precisely in Him, will yet fulfil so many glorious promises?
If we do not understand God’s dealings—especially when we experience hardship and oppression—that does not mean that God is no longer at work with us. Through all these trials He wants us to reflect carefully upon Him and upon His government.
That is exactly what Asaph does from verse 11 onward. With both heart and mind he meditates upon God’s deeds, wonders, and works. This leads him to a magnificent song of praise concerning Gods redemption, His almighty power and His lovingkindness toward His people.
Special attention is given to the deliverance of God’s people in the wilderness. When everything seemed lost because Pharaoh was approaching, God delivered them through the Red Sea in a most impressive manner (vv.14–20).
When we meditate on this mighty work, we know that God’s saving power is beyond all comparison (vv.13–14). If God is so glorious, does that not give every reason for confidence, both now and for the future?
Do we ever doubt God’s deliverance?
Sing: Ps. 77:3,4