My History

Read Psalm 77

Read Mark 15

Every Christian goes through periods of weakness. We all have tough times. We all get frustrated - and not just with the world. We get frustrated with God.

In Psalm 77, the author Asaph is going through such a time. He even wonders as he lies awake at night in his bed if God has forgotten to be merciful and gracious (v. 9).

What brings Asaph out of his weakness? What calms his frustrated and fearful heart? What is it that enables him to say, "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders"? (v. 13-14).

What helps Asaph in his hour of need is remembering his salvation history. Asaph realizes that Israel's history is his own history. He recounts to himself how God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed Israel to pass through, led "like a flock." (v. 20). This psalm is very interesting too because he praises the mighty work of God not just be recalling it, but very poetically describes how waters were terrified of God, and lightning flashed like arrows across the sky, and the like.

Now, Asaph wasn't there. But he realizes that God's salvation of Israel is his own history. It is a promise that God would rescue him, deliver him, and bring him to the Promised Land.

The crossing of the Red Sea, we are taught by Scripture to understand, is a foreshadowing of the rescue that the Messiah would bring. And so it is that today in Mark 15 we read our own salvation history.

You see, we too are weak and get frustrated. And so, what will bring us out of our weakness? What calms our frustrated and fearful heart? What is it that enables us to say, "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders"? (v. 13-14). It is this account of our Savior, our Christ, our Messiah being the sacrifice for sin on the cross.

You see, his death and subsequent resurrection is not just ancient history, 1st century history, or Israel's history. It is MY history. It is the account of my own salvation. It is my rescue, my deliverance from sin, death, and the devil. It is the assurance that I will reach the Promised Land.

Now isn't that comforting?

Ask Yourself:

What frustrates me today? What causes me to worry, be afraid, or lose sleep today?

What are my momentary afflictions compared to the assurance of eternal peace and joy in the Promised Land?

What can I do today to readjust my focus?

Pray:

For our prayer today we use some words from Psalm 77:

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people." Amen.

Study with me tomorrow, and share this Bible study tool with a friend,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!