June 30, 2021 – Psalm 79

“Do not remember against us the iniquities of our ancestors;
 let your compassion come speedily to meet us,
 for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation,

 for the glory of your name; deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let the avenging of the outpoured blood of your servants be known among the nations before our eyes.

Let the groans of the prisoners come before you;
according to your great power preserve those doomed to die.
Return sevenfold into the bosom of our neighbors
the taunts with which they taunted you, O Lord!
Then we your people, the flock of your pasture,
will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.” Psalm 79:8-13

“Life is a mixture of successes and failures. May you be encouraged by the successes and strengthened by the failures. As long as you never lose faith in God, you will be victorious over any situation you may face.” (Peace Pilgrim)

Psalm 79 is a useful Psalm as it instructs us that suffering can and, in some cases, should be seen in the perspective of faith. There are often harsh realities facing the people of G-d. But we like the Psalmist cannot lose faith or hope during adversity. Or as Peace Pilgrim states, “May you be encouraged by the successes and strengthened by the failures” that we all will encounter.

Suffering of the faithful cannot be seen as G-d’s weakness – or as G-d’s punishment. Remember, a cross – a sign of humiliation and shame – is our symbol of power and grace and the ultimate answer to the question “Where is God?”

Pastor Dave

June 29, 2021 — Psalm 77

“Has God forgotten to be gracious?
    Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”
And I say, “It is my grief that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord;
    I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?” Psalm 77:9-13

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” (Corrie Ten Boom)

Note the change from despair to hope in Psalm 77 – the sudden change from verses 10 – 12. It is dramatic. It is jarring. What happens in our lives that changes our trust in God? Do we have emotional swings in our faith? Do we find that from day to day, or even from hour to hour, we move from despair to hope? Psalm 77 reminds us that we are people of memory and hope. And meditating upon scripture gives us the foundation to remind ourselves that mourning may come in the night, but joy will come in the morning.

Faith is no guarantee against the real possibility of despair, but even during despair, we will remember the G-d that has been our help in ages past.

Pastor Dave