April 10, 2015 – Friday

Start Time: 6:04 AM

End Time:   6:25 AM

Title: For the Director of Music.  For Jeduthun.  Of Asaph.  A Psalm.

Scripture: Psalm 77:1 – 20

God’s Message / God’s Promise / God’s Commands:

→ Here we see Asaph's dedication and commitment in prayer.  Despite of God's silence, he pressed on.  He cried out continually to God for help; when he was distress, he sought the Lord; at night, Asaph spoke of stretching out untiring hands and not giving up.  Note that this is Asap for many nights already.  We don't know exactly how long he had been crying out to God but clearly, his words showed that he had been doing this for some time now, maybe a few weeks, months or even years.  But note that in verse, Asaph spoke of remembering God and he groaned, of meditating and his spirit grew faint. He may be feeling the helplessness and hopelessness of his times yet in verse 4, he said, "You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak..."  So these are the times when the burden is too heavy and it outweighs whatever good is done in the days...that's why Asaph had to make a decision to think and to remember the former days; the songs he used to sing in the night...so there's an effort from Asaph's part to press on.  He was feeling tired and hopeless but he pushed himself to press on; to continue praying; to remember the good days and meditated on them.  That's why it is very important to remember the good and great things that God had done to us because that will fuel us in pursuing Him in a time when He is nowhere seen, heard or found. 

In verse 7, Asaph clearly was one of his low moments...just look at the questions he posted, "Will the Lord reject forever?  Will He never show His favor again?  Has His unfailing love vanished forever? etc" now these words are clearly from a person in anguish, a person who is hopeless and frustrated.  Yes in verse 10 again we see Asaph, with all his effort and might, fight off the hopelessness and helplessness feelings he is struggling with.  He said, "Then I thought (again a conscious decision to think).." we see how he chose to remember and appeal on the years when the Most High stretched out His right hand.  He chose to remember God's miracles of long ago and consider all His works not just Asaph's present condition.  He chose to see everything in a big picture and meditate on all His mighty deeds.  Again, this requires effort and a certain push to your limit to believe and have faith in a faithless generation and a negative world.

In verse 13, Asaph reminded himself of God's words that He is Holy and His ways are higher than what he could think or imagine of.  And through verse 20, Asaph spoke of God's wonders, might, power and glory that he witnessed and heard of.  Now, that takes a choice!  Will you choose the same?

Prayer:

Lord thank You for Your words through Your servant Asaph.  Thank You Lord because You are reminding me to hold on to all the mighty works You are doing in my life, from the past, to the present and even to what is to come.  So when the time comes when famine strikes and You have to hide Yourself from me.  I have enough ammunition or memories and testimonies to protect me and strengthen me all through the famine years.  Lord give me wisdom to cherish every moment You have with me so I will never have to walk my path alone.  Thank You Jesus for all Your works, Your amazing love that results to Your amazing works in my life.  Thank You for everything.  In Jesus' Name, Amen!