After all the sorrow one can feel inside and all the blame
thrown at God, the psalmist surrenders.
This surrender is also a humble, quiet reality check where
he admits, “This is my anguish. This is my lot in life.”
I’ve been dealing with this particular situation (this
anguish, adversity, and affliction) for quite some time now and I’m tired. I surrender.
His soul refused to be comforted maybe because he had an
illness or form of trouble that would not be altered. Long-term disability is a modern-day
term. Thorn in the flesh is a
theological descriptor. “Pain in the butt
situation” in another way to say it too.
The chances of relief – complete deliverance, assurance of
salvation -- seem to not exist.
Truth: As Christians,
we want to believe that God will rescue us and fix every situation. The truth is, God does not! It is the truth and you know it. There are some situations we just have to
accept.
This Bible passage proves it. Psalm 77:10-15. The psalmist surrenders and says, this is my
lot, my place of suffering in life. Yet,
he also says, “But in spite of this truth, God has been good…”
Yes he does want to be well, (comforted is the Hebrew word) but
he admits it is not going to happen – at least not today, if at all. So
instead, he finds comfort is God’s past acts.
He finds comfort in the memories of God’s past acts. He says, “I will focus on the years gone by
when God has been good in other areas of life, even if I don’t see his hand in
this area…I want to be comforted, but in case I don’t get comfort…it is okay.”
This is my anguish – this is what I have to deal with. Emotionally and intellectually, even
theologically, the writer wrestles with God.
Then, he finds comfort in remembering.
I remember all the mighty, wonderful, powerful things God has done over
the years.
He remembers and talks about God’s painful deeds, God’s wonders
(extraordinary, hard to be understood dealings with your people) and God’s
actions.
The psalmist says, “I remember your works.” How you delivered me from trouble, fed me,
comforted my emotions (you name it). In
fact, I will meditate (thoughtfully consider each incident) of past works. They are so wonderful, complicated and
extraordinary, I have no choice but to talk of your deeds. “I gotta tell others what you have done
because you have done some great, great acts.”
Your way is the best way (v. 13 – your way is in the
sanctuary). Is there anyone so great as
you? No.
You are the great God.
You do wonders man can’t comprehend. I can’t comprehend.
You declare you strength whenever you act in ways of wonder.
Everyone can see your strength, if they acknowledge the
wonders they see as you performing miracles.
You, and only you, redeem people.
Alcoholics stop drinking.
Gamblers managing their money.
People who watch porn regaining right relationship with people in
society. These are your wonderful acts
of redemption.
Summation
Do you want to be well?
Are you willing to find comfort in God? It is possible after being self-absorbed and
stuck in a pity party if we are willing to come out of the funk to remember and
acknowledge God’s past acts and, in doing that, we reaffirm our faith and our
own sense of powerlessness under the Mighty Hand of God.
