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Studies in Psalms. “In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord” Psalm 77. background. Another psalm of Asaph To the chief musician To Jeduthun – a musician of the tribe of Levite ( 1 Chron. 16:41-42, etc.). Crying out to God (1-3).
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Studies in Psalms “In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord” Psalm 77
background • Another psalm of AsaphTo the chief musicianTo Jeduthun – a musician of the tribe of Levite (1 Chron. 16:41-42, etc.)
Crying out to God (1-3) • Typical psalm – opens with a prayer to God. Crying out loudly • He gave ear to me“He will hear me” (NASU)
Crying out to God (1-3) • Vs. 2 – a day of trouble. Trouble that does not seem to go away • Night and day • A soul that refuses comfort (cf. Jonah 4:1, Jer. 31:15, Job, etc.) • Be careful in such times – DON’T blame or be bitter toward God!
Crying out to God (1-3) • Vs. 2a & 3 – in that day he turns to the LordHe is disturbed and sighs (either at his thoughts of his bitter attitude OR his circumstance)
HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9) • Vs. 4 – He cannot sleep for troubles. He doesn’t know what to say (cf. Rom. 8:26)
HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9) • Vs. 5-6 – He considers the days of old, remembers. Learning from the past –cf. Rom. 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:11, etc.
HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9) • Vs. 5-6 – He considers the days of old, remembers. • Comfort in times of affliction • Consider God’s goodness to His people • Remember your past experiences • Self-examination • Diligently study God’s word(Spurgeon)
HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9) • Vs. 7-9 – Contemplating God’s goodness • Will He cast us off forever? • Will He be favorable no more? • Has His mercy ceased forever? • Has His promise failed forever? • Has God forgotten grace? • Has He in anger shut up mercies? No - NEVER! BUT, does Judah deserve God’s rejection? Who is at fault?
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Vs. 10-15 – The greatness of God • “This is my anguish” (“grief” – NASU)He acknowledges where the problem is – with him
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Coming to grips: • Vs. 10 – I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High. NOTE YEARS of His rule. Consider the big picture!
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Coming to grips: • Vs. 11 – Remember His works and wonders. Cf. The Red Sea, plagues in Egypt, Mt. Sinai, the Jordan, Jericho, Gideon, David & Goliath, Elijah, etc.
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Coming to grips: • Vs. 12 – I will MEDITATE on all Your work and talk of Your deeds. A time of serious contemplation (cf. Phil. 4:8, 1 Tim. 4:15, etc.)He will NEVER forsake Him!
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Coming to grips: • Vs. 13 – “Your was, O God, is in the sanctuary.” The meeting place where God is present.Today, will we go where God is found? His word, His church, His people, His presence (prayer). Psa. 27:4, 63:2, 73:17
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Coming to grips: • Vs. 13 – There is none greater than Him • Vs. 14 – He has declared His strength. • Vs. 15 – He has redeemed His people!
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Vs. 16-20 - Remembering God in the wilderness. • Asaph appeals specifically to the Red Sea crossing. It was a memorable event (Josh. 2:10)
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) • Vs. 19 – “You way was in the sea.” “Your footsteps were not known” (Rom. 11:33) • Vs. 20 – Israel was led like a flock by Moses and Aaron (through Him)
Remembering His deliverance (10-20) This psalm ends abruptly. • Possible transition to next • In my mind, the psalmist realizes that God IS in control and he drifts off to sleep. Everything will be fine! (Jas. 5:13, 1 Pet. 5:7)