Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness

Welcome to Hope Mommies In the Word devotionals. Over the next few weeks, we will be meditating on Psalm 77 together. As we study these truths together, we’d love you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into God’s Word each week with us! 

“I will remember the deeds of the LORD,” Psalm 77:11a

READ:

Asaph had no framework to understand how to respond to his grief. What He had known about God’s character was being tested in the furnace of his affliction. He needed the Lord to show him that his grief and the character of God were not in opposition to one another.

Asaph is asking himself, “What do I know about God? What has the Lord done in the past that reveals and confirms his character?” In Asaph’s “dilligent search” of God’s character and activity, he focuses his reflection on God redeeming the Israelites from slavery and parting the Red Sea: 

Then I said, “I will appeal to this,
To the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
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.
Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known your might among the peoples.
You with your arm redeemed your people,
The children of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

When the waters saw you, O God,
When the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled.
The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder;
Your arrows flashed on every side.
The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
Your lightnings lighted up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.

Your way was through the sea,
Your path through the great waters;
Yet your footprints were unseen.
You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 77:10-20

As Asaph pondered and remembered, he came to one conclusion that became the cornerstone: “Your way, O God, is holy.” The word “holy” is primarily defined as “separate; other”. God is completely in a class of His own. He can never be attributed with wrongdoing or found guilty of any sin.

With God’s holiness and character firmly in mind, Asaph looked back on God’s best moments toward His people. He could see the demonstration of God’s character of love and patience throughout the exodus. He reflected on God’s mercy as He redeemed His people. He remembered God doing the impossible to rescue them from their enemies. Reflecting on God’s history informed Asaph’s future: “Because God is who He says He is; because God did what He said He would do; because He never changes and is perfect in holiness… I can submit my current sorrow and trust Him to redeem even this.”

Hebrews 13:8 tells us that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Just as the Lord showed His faithfulness to Israel, He will show His faithfulness to you. His steadfast love has not ceased. His promises for hope and comfort have not ended. He has not forgotten you. He is gracious and compassionate toward you. 

REFLECT:

• Why do you think Asaph found it necessary to reflect historically? 
• Take time to reflect on your history with the Lord. What “work” and “mighty deeds” has He done in your life? What testimonies do you have about His character?
• Write out a prayer of remembrance and hope. Reflect on something He has done in your history, and allow that to inform your present circumstances.

Erin Cushman is the founder of Hope Mommies. She is married to Blair and has five children: Gwendolyn, who has been with Jesus since October 20, 2010, Malacai, Gemma, Baby C, who is also with Jesus, and Savannah. She loves photography, gardening, cooking, reading, playing with her children, and especially loves when all those things combine.

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