Daily Reading
Daily Thought
“I can’t sleep!” That’s what Psalm 77:1-4 says, and we’ve all been there. Something is turning over and over in Asaph’s mind, troubling his thoughts, “You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled I cannot speak” (Psalm 77:4). He is focused on the problem and he cannot figure it out. The problem is a big one, Babylon has captured Judah and there is no more Israel. It seems God no longer cares, “Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (Psalm 77:9). Israel’s constant rebellion has finally taken its toll and God has given up and is no longer listening.
That’s what it seems, anyway.
Then change comes, not in God, but in Asaph. “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11). Asaph stops thinking about Babylon and remembers Egypt. Babylon is about captivity; Egypt is deliverance. God does not give up; he saves his people.
When the waters saw you, O God,
when the waters saw you, they were afraid;
indeed, the deep trembled. ~Psalm 77:16
Babylon, like Egypt, did not fear God. How foolish. Water fears God! And obeys his word. The seas parted, Israel escaped, Egypt met God’s vengeance, and Asaph remembered and it gave him rest.
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 77:19-20
You should fear God, Babylon. It should keep you awake. And Asaph, go to sleep.
“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.” ~Psalm 77:13-14
Change comes, not in my circumstances, but in me, when my focus shifts from my problems to my God
Daily Prayer
My Creator, You are Lord of all. You establish justice and promote righteousness. You have made Your ways known, Your Laws are clear and they are good. May I ever remember that You do not change, and that is good. You are always holy, always good, always just, and always gracious, so no matter how bad my circumstances, they will change before You do. I can count on You God, always. May I always remember that.
I will walk in Your ways, God, because Your path is straight. It gets me where You want me to go, and that is a good place.
Amen
Daily Question
Do you fear God? Why or why not?