Seeking God in times of trouble

Psalm 77: 2 – “ In the days of my trouble I will seek the Lord…”

This psalm of Asaph is deeply meaningful to me. Trouble, hardship, trials…these things seem to be our constant companions. It’s so easy to get down and discouraged. And when the difficulties of life seem to come one right after the other, life can be overwhelming.

Asaph experienced the same thing and had the spiritual insight to turn his sense of being overwhelmed, not into inward focused misery, but into God-focused relief and deliverance.

In Psalm 77 Asaph spends verses 1-9 rehearsing how bad his life is, but then he does something remarkable…something God led. He says in verses 11-12, “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.”

Where did that amazing insight come from? He went from being self-absorbed with his own miseries to doing a complete 180. God got his attention and said, ‘Asaph, what you’re doing isn’t helping. You’re in a downward spiral. Lift up your eyes and look at Me.’ And Asaph does!

Verses 13-20 are Asaph taking his mind off his hurts, problems, and troubles, and instead he considers the power and majesty of almighty God. He reflects on God’s mighty work in the history of Isreal, and it puts Asaph’s problems in a whole new light. Our daily trials are nothing compared to what God did delivering his people from Egypt and leading them through the red sea. A godly perspective changes everything.

If, like me, you are facing challenges that can easily overwhelm you, don’t wallow in misery and self pity. Lift up your eyes. Your God has not failed you or forsaken you. He’s been there the whole time, and He has a plan to get you and me through this. Do what Asaph did. Remember God’s faithfulness in the past and trust Him for your present.

Proverbs 3: 5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.”

That’s a promise!