- By Rev. Chandran J. Lite
- Posted 10/08/2017
The great Jewish Philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel once said, "much of what the Bible demands can be comprised in one word - Remember".
The Psalmist, in psalm 77 is dealing with depression in his life. As Psychologists have rightly said, "problems in themselves do not make your life heaven or hell, it is your reaction to the problems". There are two ways the Psalmist handles his depression. First , he cries out to God. Second, He calls up the past deeds of God.
Psalm 77:11 , "I will remember the deeds of the Lord, Yes, I will remember Your miracles of long ago".
a. When to remember ?
The day of trouble (V. 1-4) He remembers the past living deeds of the Lord, when , in distress(V. 2) . He has no comfort. He can't sleep nor speak(V. 2,3,4). That is the time to refocus his thoughts at the past wonderful deeds of the Lord. He did not give into present pressures of the world. His post miracles gives us immense strength to face our present challenges. Every past miracle of the Lord, has a practical and a present validity. How many times in the past ,God, in His mercy, saved you by His wonders and miracles. The same God is alive , and so are His miracles.
b. Why to remember ? - "Has God forgotten?" (V. 5-9)
"Will the Lord reject forever ? Will He never show His favor again? Has His unfailing love vanished forever ? Has His promise failed for all time ? Has God forgotten the merciful? Has He in anger withheld His compassion ?" (V. 7-9)
Our senseless preoccupation with our present problems, tends to question the very basic tenets of God's unique character: His favor, unfailing love, His promise, His mercy and His compassion. The moment we start doubting God's unfailing love, we are deprived of our strength to face today's challenges. So, as the Psalmist did, let us look back, and call up the faithfulness and the favor of our Loving Father in the past, revive and renew our faith and strength to face our problems.
c. How to remember ? (V. 12)
"I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds"
V.10 the Psalmist talks about "His right hand" which means , 'God's Power'. He meditates on God's Power in the midst of his adversity. The miracles of God's past, were the Psalmist's meditation. He keeps churning them up on his mind, day in and day out.
d. What to remember ? (V. 13-20)
"You redeemed Your people "
God is unchanging. God of Israel is our God. What He did to Israel, He will do for us now. Why worry ?
Yours in His service,
Servant Chandran Lite