I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search. (Psalm 77:5-6)
If you read the few verses that precede those above, you will see that the psalmist recounts intense apprehension and utter desperation. He describes endless petitions for deliverance but with no indication that the deliverance is at hand. He describes nights of lost sleep and the inability — perhaps even an unwillingness — to be comforted. In short, in the moment that is being described, the future looks bleak. And so, rather than continuing to focus on the present, in his mind he begins to meditate upon days gone by — much happier days.
More specifically, his thoughts of the past are contemplations of the countless acts God had performed for His people — acts that brought deliverance to those who, at one time, were in the same frame of mind as the psalmist. Those who suffered long in Egypt must have also spent sleepless nights in anguish over their situation. They too experienced every emotion imaginable related to their plight and, no doubt, wondered if deliverance would ever come. But it did come and overnight their mourning was turned to joy. When they left Egypt, they did not flee in panic but marched out with rejoicing and jubilation.
All of us, from time to time, have likely experienced the kind of anguish described by the psalmist. Maybe, like him, we’ve wondered whether God has “cast us off forever,” determined to “be favorable no more” (Psalm 77:7). But if and when that happens, it behooves us to recall that the psalmist did not continue in these thoughts; instead he determined to remember the times when the Most High demonstrated His goodness and mercy to those who call upon His Name. As it is written, “I will remember the works of the Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old” (Psalm 77:11).
It’s far too easy for us to go to the worst case scenario when life isn’t what we had hoped it would be. I would add, it is far too easy for us to forget what we know to be true about God and replace it with what our emotions are feeding us. Look — emotions can’t be trusted even when our circumstances seem to support what they are telling us. There is only One who can be trusted because there is only One who is True and Faithful. So when the present doesn’t seem to support that undeniable fact, consider the days of old and how God has always come through for you and your family — be encouraged and know that, in Him, your future is secure.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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