Your Pathway

O. T. #1275  "Your Pathway"
August 31, 2018
Psalm 77

LET IT GLOW

We don't know the reason the psalmist is gloomy, in despair, or depression. However, he tells us one cure for it-focusing his mind on God's goodness (verse 10-15) and His past deliverances (verse 16-20).

How did God deliver Israel in the past?

• He parted the Red Sea for the Hebrews to cross over on dry ground in deliverance from Egypt's slavery.
• He overthrew the Egyptians by drowning with clouds of water in the Red Sea.
• Thunder and lightning were witnessed at the foot of Mt. Sinai as Moses went up to receive the Ten Commandments.
• Like sheep, God led His people through Moses and Aaron for 40 years.

This story was past down throughout the generations of Israel, as it demonstrated God's power, protection, and love. The psalmist recalls that. Also, he declares:

• God's ways are holy. (verse 13)
• No god is mightier than God. (verse 13)
• He is the God of great wonders. (verse 14)
• God demonstrates His awesome power among the nations. (verse 14)
• By His strong arm God redeemed His people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. (verse 15)

[Reference: New Living Translation]

Has God shown His awesome powers and great wonders to you lately?

Your road led through the sea, Your pathway through the mighty waters,-a pathway no one knew was there! (verse 19 NLT)

Instead of going around the Red Sea, God chose to lead Israel through it so they could experience His mighty power.  If we are going through troubled waters right now, remember that God delivered His children in the old days and can do the same today. We must stay on the path He has put us on, and wait for the deep waters to part. There is a path that no one knows about, except our God. He is working things out for those who love Him, and it is for our good, as well as His glory. (Romans 8:28)

LET IT GROW

Whatever is happening in the psalmist's life, he can't sleep because of it. He thinks about the good old days when his nights were filled with joyful songs. He searches his soul and ponders the difference at  that time.  He feels rejected in verses 7-9 as he questions:

•  God's kindness, and
•  unfailing love toward him;
•  His promises that are permanently kept;
•  mercy that is not clean gone, nor
•  His door of compassion slammed shut.

Oh, dear ones, God's kindness, love, promises, mercy, and compassion continue forever. They are there behind the door, waiting to be opened, for Jesus is the Door.

What will the psalmist remember?

• His infirmity, which means to be weak, afflicted, diseased, grieved, sorry; 
• The years of the Most High God's right hand was upon him;
• His works;
• God's wonders of old, the wonderful deeds He has done.

The writer is meditating on all God's works and will talk of His doings. And so should we.
Got any infirmities? Look at what the Most High God has done previously, His wonderful deeds.

LET IT GO

Focus on my awesome and wonderful God instead of my infirmities.
Remain on the path He has me on.
Do the best I can while I am here enduring my infirmities.
I will sing of You love forever, Sweet Jesus.