In our lives, we often have unanswered questions. Because that happens, it does not mean that God does not care about us or our perplexities. However, sometimes, knowing the answers would do us no good, and at other times, it may just generate more questions. Faith does not eliminate perplexity, but we can find the solution in the presence of God, even if there is no answer. There is comfort for our souls when we rest in Him and His grace. Faith can then rest comfortably because we know from history that God does not forget.
This psalm begins with Asaph lamenting due to the confusion surrounding him. He said, “I cried… I sought… I remembered… I complained… I considered… I call to remembrance… I commune with my own heart.” Over twenty times, he was the focus of all his thoughts and actions. He was halfway through the psalm before he started to consider God. Then, over twenty times, he thinks of the Lord. How easy it is to become so self-absorbed that it almost escapes us that God is involved in our lives.
Anxiety caused the psalmist's restlessness in the night. He cried, and his spirit was perplexed until he diligently searched for the reason. He was concerned about himself and focused on his own needs. In times of trouble, seek the Lord. Then, we can get things right. In times of sleeplessness, sing unto the Lord. Then, we get some light in the darkness. In times when our souls are troubled, trust the Lord. He can bring good from evil. In times of doubt, remember the word of the Lord. He never fails. In times of loneliness, seek the people of the Lord. A church family gives comfort, help, and strength. God delivered His people from obstacles and enemies in the past, and He is the same today.
Troubles in life do not affect God’s interest in us, nor should they affect our faith in Him. When talking to God, we can be open and frank about our fears, failures, and doubts. Prayer doesn’t mean we always have to be talking. Sometimes, waiting and listening are as important as our persistence in prayer. We do well to reflect on past answers, past help, and past experiences when God intervenes. Then we can find calm in our souls even when we are naturally restless. Meditation can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on what we allow our focus to be on.
A lack of understanding can cause us anxiety and concern unless, in faith, we cast our burden on the Lord and leave it there. God has demonstrated His wisdom, wonders, works, and strength to us in the past. He will take the right action at the right time again. He delivered His people before, and He will do it again. Halfway through the psalm, Asaph changed his focus from himself to God. Self-focused meditation can lead to feelings of sadness, pessimism, and melancholy. Focusing our hearts and minds on the Lord brings awareness of God’s power and strength on our behalf. His presence, though unseen, brings peace. Faith restored brings delight to our souls.
God is always gracious to His children, even when He is silent or is chastening us. When we meditate on His word and consider how He has been faithful to us all our lives, we begin to see His way, His wonders, and His goodness. His grace and redemptive goals are all working according to His divine purpose. Review and reflection can harm us when we focus solely on ourselves. When we look at the Lord and God’s way with us in life, review and reflection can be very positive.
Faith looks beyond the present distresses to hope in God. He has saved us and kept us until now, and there is no reason to believe He won’t continue to do so. He has redeemed His people. He has implanted a new nature, making us new creatures in Christ Jesus. He has raised our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead, so it is certainly within His power to do what is needed for us now or when He chooses. Courage sometimes evades us when we get our eyes off God. In distress and trouble, let us resolve to call on the name of the Lord. When we verbalize our requests audibly, our focus turns to Him. We then consider His holiness and care. He removes the distress and uncertainty as we review His goodness and grace.
He who parted the Red Sea so that His redeemed people in the past could cross on dry ground can use His power or means in any way He wants. He can protect and empower us to conquer or endure as He sees best. His love does not ebb and flow. He demonstrated His love for us at Calvary’s cross and continues to do so today. Love is not always shown in the same way, but in faith, we can accept it in whatever form it takes, knowing that it comes from our loving Father.