SCRIPTURE: Psalm 77
“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.” (Psalm 77:11)
This person is in a time of deep distress, groaning and unable to be comforted.
Have you experienced a time like this, or someone that you know and love?
In times like this, the mind starts to question God: is He real, does He care, why is He letting this happen?
The devil takes advantage of these times, inserting his own twisted half truths and doubts (Genesis 3:1-5).
This person chooses to insert his own thoughts, memories of times past when God stepped in, when God helped.
Though it takes effort, this person is choosing to dwell on God’s goodness and mercy.
What do you choose to dwell on when you are going through a difficult time?
While Satan is inserting his poisonous thoughts, are you helping him by adding your own?
Or are you resisting the devil (like Jesus did), by claiming and clinging to God’s promises in Scripture.
Are you setting your mind on things above – God things, God truths – or drowning your mind in negative thoughts from below?
‘You can’t stop the birds of sorrow from landing on your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair.’ (Proverb)
I know from experience, negative thoughts come whether I want them or not; but I can choose whether I will dwell on them, and let them take root in my head.
“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, my mind is a battleground. Help me not to stand idly by while Satan lobs his doubt and despair bombs at me. Help me to set my mind on You, and to let thoughts of You build a nest in my hair!
Observations/Application
Vision.
The downward look or the upward look?
Looking at the ground, one gets mired. Looking down limits one’s world of its grandeur. Looking at the ground one sees oneself and focusses on oneself and ones limited vision. Self vision. Burden bearing. Weighted down.
But the upward look sees beyond oneself and the greatness and the majesty of the Creator God. Ones world is enlarged with ‘SonShine.’
Who put all this together?
Where will I see God this day?
No wallowing but relishing on the greatness of our God. He is faithful. He is powerful. He is visible. He is at work in His creation. Always.
Where is God in all of life’s journey?
He is there if I but . . .
meditate on Him
remember His good deeds
remember His faithfulness
remember His power and majesty
remember to sing songs of joy
praising the Lord.
Prayer
Tune my heart Lord to sing daily of Your presence in all things. Help me to keep my eyes upon You always.
Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand’ring from the face of God;
He, to save my soul from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.
Teach me, Lord, some rapturous measure,
Meet for me Thy grace to prove,
While I sing the countless treasure
Of my God’s unchanging love.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior’s blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of God.