Like most men, I am a fixer. When I find a problem, I often preoccupy myself with it thinking that if I analyze it enough and research it enough, then I can solve it. This is a serious error when it comes to things that I cannot fix such as an improperly functioning heart valve. I need the expertise of a doctor, specifically a heart surgeon. While most people have a desire to be self-sufficient, unfortunately, those of us without extensive education and special training cannot repair a heart valve. Similarly, when we have a problem that only God can solve but we try to fix it anyway, we have just created an impossible and, often times, dangerous scenario.
When Asaph, the author of the seventy-seventh Psalm, hit troubling times and questioned the things that had been accepted truths in his life, he turned only to God for an answer. Feeling far from God and questioning all he had been taking for granted, the questions he posed are much like questions that contemporary believers finds themselves asking: “Why God? Have you removed your favor?” (Ps. 77:7). “Has your steadfast love ceased forever?” (Ps. 77:8). “Do your promises end?” (Ps. 77:8).
Asaph could have relied on his own personal experience and knowledge to answer these questions, as many are prone to do, but instead he turned to God’s redemptive work throughout history. This tactic is a common thread that runs through the Psalms. Asaph knew that in order to understand God’s work in the present, he had to look to God’s work in the past. He considered God’s work in humanity, His mighty deeds, His holy ways, His power, but ultimately His faithfulness as illustrated in the exodus of His people from the slavery at the hands of the Egyptians (Ps. 77:20).
We have an even greater redemptive story than the exodus—the redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. When things seem to go wrong, when we question God’s plan for our life, we can look back to the forgiveness and the security of salvation that we have in Christ because of God’s great love for us (Rom 5:8). Through the lens of God’s redemptive work in our lives, our entire existence is put into perspective.
When life seems complicated, emotions are confusing, and problems are around every turn, avoid self-sufficiency and steer clear of ehow.com to attempt to fix it. Turn to the grace and ever-present faithfulness of the Father by looking back to the cross and the empty tomb and reconcile in your heart and mind what is already true of God’s love for you. There has never been such a testament of His love. Then take a faithful step forward, trusting in Him to solve your problem, calm your emotions, and give you the peace that surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:9).
-Pastor Brent Thompson
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