December 31, 2018
… ‘BUT THEN’ Moments…
Bring to our Remembrance…
“But then I recall all you have done, O LORD; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” Psalm 77:11-12 (NLT)
Oh no! I did it again, tossing and turning, giving permission for the worries of the day, or the frightening wall of fear to hold me captive, paralyzing my thinking; yes, sleep evaded me. If you are like me in these miserable moments, we whisper a prayer and cry out to the LORD to rescue and restore the disturbed sleep, and the stolen peace.
Many years ago, a Levite musician named Asaph served David as one the chief musicians bringing worship into the Tabernacle through song and instruments. Later, his sons became the bearers of the worship tradition. Although the majority of the Psalms were written by David, twelve are attributed to Asaph or to one of his namesakes.
Asaph recorded his responses to the circumstances and hardships of the Israelites. Biblical scholars believe that Psalm Seventy-seven reflects what Asaph was experiencing following the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity of Israel. He cried out and shouted; he searched for the LORD, longing and praying for His help, and for a time, remained desperate, overwhelmed, and sleepless.
We all have experienced these desperate moments when we see no escape, no exemption, no alternative, or no resources. It may be a health issue for ourselves, our child, or a friend, or the loss of a loved one, and we ask, “Will this sea of grief consume my life?” Perhaps it is the brokenness of a relationship, a betrayal or the desperation we feel for a wayward child. Like Asaph, we find ourselves tossing and turning, crying out, shouting at God, desperately searching for Him, believing that only He can make a way.
But Then…Don’t you love the ‘But Then’ Moments. Asaph remembered the great and mighty things the LORD had done for His people. He recalled the miracle of God’s protection, provision, and presence as He led His people through the wall of the mighty Red Sea waters. Yahweh, the LORD led them along the pathway only He knew about, to deliver them, to redeem them, making them into a great nation. Asaph found His Answer, His Peace, and His Hope as he remembered to worship.
Like Asaph, when sleep evades us and our hearts are stirring like the waters of the Red Sea, we can be still and turn to God’s Word to remember all the works, deeds, and miracles He has done. We can remember the times when the LORD answered our cry, when He made a way when no one else could have done such a thing. Yahweh, the LORD, never changes, never gives up, never gives in, never surrenders His Kingdom, and will never surrender or forsake you, His child. Our LORD has always made a way, and He always will.
You may be facing a battle, an obstacle, a mountain, or a chasm, a deep wound, a wall of fear, or a worry pounding relentlessly on the door of your heart, robbing you of sleep, stealing your peace. My friends, your God parted the Red Sea, and He will see you through. Like Asaph, you will find God’s answer as you remember to worship Him, to praise Him, and to trust Him. Yahweh, the LORD, is and always will be worthy of your trust.
Oh Heavenly Father, as I look back, please bring to my remembrance ‘But Then’ Moments in my life. LORD, help me remember who You are, and when You were my guide and my friend. Please forgive me when I forget to worship and to remember all things You have done in the lives of your people, and in my life. When I feel discouraged, dismayed, overwhelmed, desperate and sleepless, help me to remember You never forsake Your people. You always make a way. Help me to remember to worship, to believe, and to trust You, in this New Year. You are the One who never changes! In Jesus name, Amen.
New Year Blessings to my dear friends!
Love you in Jesus,
