We hope this week's devotional will encourage you in your spiritual walk.
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Psalm 77:1-2, 11-20
1 I cry aloud to God,
aloud to God, that he may hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
my soul refuses to be comforted.
11 I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
I will remember your wonders of old.
12 I will meditate on all your work,
and muse on your mighty deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is holy.
What god is so great as our God?
14 You are the God who works wonders;
you have displayed your might among the peoples.
15 With your strong arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.Selah
16 When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
the very deep trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water;
the skies thundered;
your arrows flashed on every side.
18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;
your lightnings lit up the world;
the earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was through the sea,
your path, through the mighty waters;
yet your footprints were unseen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Devotional Thought: When God Seems Hidden
The initial imagery of this psalm is of a single voice being sent to God. The sender hopes to be fully “heard” (both in content and emotion). The reason for the cry and the content of the prayer is not stated. The intensity is obvious because God is sought out “day” and “night,” the pray-er’s hand remains outstretched, and his soul is not comforted.
When the lectionary reading picks up again in verse 11, the despair that has been voiced (and silenced for us by the removal of verses 3-10) gives way to a rehearsal of God’s character and past actions. The psalmist begins to remember and recite memories of the wonderful acts of God in the past.
This recollection of God’s nature and acts is not intended to minimize the anguish of the present moment. Instead, it becomes a Means of Grace that gives God entry into this present moment.
Some say this Psalm challenges us to remember that God is powerful and in control even in the midst of circumstances that make it appear that God is not in control. As Wesleyans, however, we find comfort in reminding ourselves and others that God is loving and compassionate even in the midst of circumstances that make God seem hidden and aloof. In the active practice of remembrance, we invite this loving God into our present circumstances.
Prayer:
“May His presence go before you
And behind you, and beside you
All around you, and within you
He is with you, He is with you
In the morning, in the evening
In your coming, and your going
In your weeping, and rejoicing
He is for you, He is for you”
(The Blessing, Song by Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship, and Kari Jobe”)
Linda M. Stargel
Academic Dean
Senior Lecturer in Biblical Studies and Biblical Language