Psalm 77:11-12 I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
    yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
    and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

This Psalm is attributed to Asaph, but it seems likely that it was written by one of his descendants. It was written by a Levite in any case, and that means someone quite familiar with the Torah. His immediate situation makes him feel like God had abandoned him, but he makes the choice of faith, to think about what God had done in the past and allow that to build up his faith to stand in the present. Countless saints have made this choice down through the centuries, and it is always the right choice. Some have even written of “the dark night of the soul,” when they clung to God even when it felt like He was nowhere to be found. I don’t know why some people go through such times, but I do know that the results can be magnificent in and through those who stand firm. Human emotions are very unreliable. At times they can feel like the greatest blessing in the world, but at other times they can drive people to suicidal despair. One reason we have been given the Bible is so that we will have a written record of what God has said and done, that doesn’t change. When our emotions are playing tricks with us, getting back to the Bible and letting the words sink into us is one of the best things we can do.

I am grateful to say that I’ve never been in such a situation myself, but I have certainly been around people who were. Just yesterday we visited a lady in the hospital who is quite possibly actively dying. She was complaining of her pain, and said that she had asked her mother to take her place, but her mother wouldn’t do it. The lady in question is in her 80s, and her mother has been gone a long time. She also said, “Your God answers you, but my God doesn’t,” even though she is a baptized Christian. I reminded her of her husband’s confession of faith at the time of their baptism, and how moving it was. I also reminded them of how they had come by the church to speak to us one time and her husband had asked me to do his funeral when the time came. I replied that I would be delighted to do so, but I hoped it wouldn’t be soon. It was less than a week before he had a heart attack in the bath, and didn’t last physically till morning. I also quoted to her Paul’s statement that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17) I do pray that she would choose to remember God’s countless blessings toward her and rest, relax, and rejoice in God’s grace, for as long as He leaves her here.

Father, I do pray for that lady, and for her son, who is facing serious health challenges of his own. I pray that both of them would be able to focus on You and let go of self-centered demands. Help them both trust You, since You alone are fully trustworthy, for their blessing and Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!