Copy
The Well is a weekday email to encourage time in God's Word.
View this email in your browser
March 20:  Psalm 76-77

Click here to read today's passage
 
Psalm 76 is a comparison between the might of man and the superior, infinite power and strength of Almighty God. In war, a warrior’s strength is seen in his arrows, shield and other weapons. But to God they are nothing, unable to withstand the magnificence of his glory.
 
At God’s voice, both rider and horse are overcome, the stouthearted are overwhelmed and men of war are rendered unable to fight. The enemies of Israel, even in all their power and glory, are not to be feared.
 
It is the Almighty God that we should fear. The simple question is asked: “Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused?” The only answer is “no one.” The power and justice of God must set us back on our heels even as the saving grace and mercy are the means of his salvation of the humble.
 
In the end the psalmist exhorts the reader. “Make your vows to the Lord your God and perform them.” This simply means to understand the benefit of keeping your commitments to the Lord of your salvation. Understand that obedience to him is the best option you could possibly have, for he is infinitely good, and his goodness is salvation to the faithful.
 
Psalm 77 finds the author reflecting on times of great distress. His cries to God are loud and long, and yet they do not seem to be reaching the ears of the Almighty One. Sleep just won’t come and his heart grows more and more faint as his soul is unable to find comfort.
 
Certainly you and I have both experienced this. Perhaps it comes via unwelcome news or the pain of adverse circumstances. We’ve all laid awake wrestling with fear or anger or painful uncertainty.
 
The psalmist, after expressing his troubled heart, points himself and his readers to the only sufficient solution. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.”
 
His mind is taken back to the many times God’s mighty arm brought deliverance to his people. The Exodus appears to be primary in his mind as he remembers God’s redemption of Jacob’s sons and children. There is even a mention of the parting of the Red Sea, and the miracle by which he led his people through the waters like a flock.
 
In the end, it is never the present circumstances, but rather the knowledge of God’s faithfulness that must be our focal point. Our God can be trusted, even in the darkness.
 
Prayer: Great God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob … it is humbling to understand that you too have been faithful to me. In your love and mercy you have drawn me to your side, adopted me into your family, and promised that I would be yours forever. O Father, I confess that my faith is often weak, tossed about by the winds of circumstance. Help me today, O Lord, to bind my heart to your faithfulness, and to live winsomely, and courageously as a child of the king, through Jesus Christ, my Lord, Amen.
 
Copyright © 2020 Grace Baptist Church, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences