“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NIV
The time allowed each day to watch, read, or listen to daily news updates at our house continues to shrink. It is too troubling and disturbing to spend any more time than necessary staying updated on events in our country and the world.
Insanity is on full display.
Irrational anger blazes.
Intolerance destroys debate.
Incivility is the rule of the day.
And, ignorance screams from the rooftops.
Lord, have mercy! Our country and the world have undisguisedly embraced evil and are determined to destroy themselves.
And yet, we are told in Scripture that peace of mind, heart, and spirit is possible, even in times of turmoil.
Psalm 77 was written as a community lament by Asaph, a Temple songwriter and worship leader. It was a Psalm to be sung by Jewish worshippers gathered together during times of difficulty.
The Psalm begins, “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and He will hear me. In the day of my trouble, I seek the Lord” (Psalm 77:1-2a ESV).”
The song continues, “Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart” (Psalm 77:6a). The Psalm encourages the Jewish community to carry the song in their hearts as they return to their homes, where they can continue praying and worshiping privately.
The song in its entirety (Psalm 77:1-20) offers a prescription for joy in times of trial and hardship:
- I will remember what God has done in the past (v. 11).
- I will consider God’s works (v.12).
- I will meditate on God’s mighty deeds (v.12).
- I will think on God’s holiness (v.13).
- I marvel at the wondrous works of God that reveal Himself to His children (v.14).
- I acknowledge that there is no other God like my God.
I particularly love the Psalmist’s words in verse 19, as he marvels at God’s handiwork but says, “yet your footprints were unseen.” Even though the Psalmist could not see God as He worked, His handiwork clearly declared His presence.
Over the years, I have learned that the more I know about God and the more I grow in understanding His ways, the clearer I can see Him at work in my life and in our world.
Even when the naysayers’ and haters’ screams and shouts fill the airways, I can hear the still, calm voice of my God saying, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”
And my reply? “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2 ESV
The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; He knows those who take refuge in Him. – Nahum 1:7 ESV