Psalms 77-78

But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago, they are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works. ­– Psalms 77:11-12 NLT

There is a pattern to many of the Psalms. They start out with the Psalmist questioning God's presence. Where is God? Why does He seem to be nowhere to be found? From the Psalmist's perspective, it appears as if God has vacated the premises and left the inmates in charge of the asylum. From all appearances, things look out of control. The world appears to be falling apart and our lives seem surrounded by pain and suffering.

But just as suddenly as the Psalmist began, he takes a turn toward the positive. He begins to speak of God's faithfulness and unmistakable reliability. What brings about this radical change in perspective? A brief review of God's actions on behalf of men. Just about the time he finds himself whining over his lot in life, the Psalmist remembers all that God has done. He begins to remind himself of God's holiness and redemptive power. He takes a look back and gets renewed hope for the present. The God who was is the God who is. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And sometimes we just need to be reminded of that fact.

Psalm 78 reminds us to remind our children of all that God has done. We are to tell the next generation about the mighty works of God. How will they know if we don't tell them? If we fail to tell them, they will grow up stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God (Psalms 78:8). Psalms 78 is a picture of God's faithfulness despite man's unfaithfulness. It is a reminder of God's sovereign rule over man. He sent … He gave … He destroyed … He abandoned … He loosed … He led … He drove out … He rejected … He abandoned … He routed … He chose … He took. God was involved. He was in charge. And remembering His unquestionable sovereignty over the past should remind us that He is just as much in control over the present.

Just about the time we begin to think God has forgotten us, we need to remember Him and all He has done for us. He CAN be trusted.

Father, increase my capacity to remember. Especially when things are looking scary. When I can't see you at work in my present circumstances, help me to recall Your past mercies. You have never let me down and You never will. Amen