June 23, 2022

I cried out to God for help;
   I cried out to God to hear me.
When I was in distress, I sought the Lord;
   at night I stretched out untiring hands,
   and I would not be comforted.
I remembered you, God, and I groaned;
   I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.
You kept my eyes from closing;
   I was too troubled to speak.
I thought about the former days,
   the years of long ago;
I remembered my songs in the night.
   My heart meditated and my spirit asked:
“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 to be merciful?
   Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
   the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
   yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
   and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
   What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
   you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
   the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
The waters saw you, God,
   the waters saw you and writhed;
   the very depths were convulsed.
The clouds poured down water,
   the heavens resounded with thunder;
   your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
   your lightning lit up the world;
   the earth trembled and quaked.
Your path led through the sea,
   your way through the mighty waters,
   though your footprints were not seen.
You led your people like a flock
   by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 77

Devotional

Are you a good “rememberer?” Do you remember anniversaries and birthdays and the small details people tell you? It’s so affirming when someone remembers something you told them; it shows how well they listened and communicates how much they care. Fortunately or unfortunately, my brain remembers a lot of details. This has strengthened my relationships and deepened my faith, because I am able to remember God’s goodness in my life.

Take a look at the first half of Psalm 77, and you’ll quickly see that the psalmist is remembering a time of deep despair, full of doubts and frustrations, even questioning if the Lord stopped loving and being merciful. But then in verse 11, to get out of the negative headspace, he remembers something different.  He intentionally chooses to focus on who God is and what He has done. He recounts the story of God’s faithfulness to the Israelites as they cross the Red Sea. By doing this, he recalls God’s true character—one of powerful victories, fulfilled promises, and loving kindness.

Don’t we all need to remember those things? The Lord has been so good to each and every one of us, but it’s easy to forget His goodness, especially when we’re in times of despair. When we actively remember God’s faithfulness, it gives us hope and strength for the future.

For Reflection

What are you struggling with right now that is causing frustration and making you feel like God has forgotten?
 
In your Quest Bible near Psalm 77:11, write down an example of God’s faithfulness in your life that you want to remember. “The faintest ink is better than the strongest memory.”

Prayer

Loving Father, thank You for all the ways You have been good to me. Help me to remember Your faithfulness and trust that You have not forgotten me, even in my darkest hours. Thank You for always being with me. In Jesus’ name I pray; amen.