I must first say that I’m writing this here because I know I will need to hear this at some point in the future. I’m not in a place of doubt now, but I know it is inevitable.
One of the wonderful recurring elements in the Psalms is the writer recalling the mighty wonders of the Lord in times of despair. It is interesting to read that the wonderful works of God are to be remembered and praised in times of joy and celebration as well as times of sorrow and lament. I think the not-so-hidden lesson is to continually be reminded of the God’s faithfulness to his people. When He promises to never leave or forsake those He loves, He means it. Check out his track record. You will find Him revealing Himself in ways we don’t expect or in the timeline that is comfortable to us, but He his continually and eternally faithful to his Word. And His promises are true today just as they will be 1,000 years from now.
Everlasting faithfulness is a foreign characteristic to the human mind and soul. Just as Psalm 77 says, we sometimes doubt and question whether God is truly on our side. Take a look:
7 “Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”
Maybe it’s just me, but that sounds similar to some things I’ve thought in the deep parts of my soul during times of confusion or distress. It is the response to such questions that defines the attitude of our heart. That attitude eventually directs our words and actions. So the impact is great. We can choose to live in doubt and lack of faith or we can choose to recall the greatness of God and rely on his graceful faithfulness. I love how the Psalmist responds:
10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal:
the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.
11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
12 I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Beautiful. It’s no wonder that over 40% of the Old Testament is narrative. Why? Because the stories are worth telling. They are worth remembering and worth being retold to ourselves when we need to hear the truth. Often there isn’t some hidden message, it is usually a straightforward claim of how God is faithful and God is good. So if you are in a season of doubt or sorrow, take a moment to read and study the Word to recall where God was faithful to His people. Then respond by writing down the ways God has been faithful in your own life. It may not “fix” your situation, but it will definitely change your perspective if you allow the Spirit to do His work.
-SHF
