A distinguished poet and composer from the time of David and Solomon wrote this song for Jeduthun, a musician and singer in the choir. Jeduthun was appointed as a musician and singer (1 Chronicles 16:41)—a role of great honour. Furthermore, Jeduthun’s sons served as gatekeepers and were also singers in the choir, tasked with prophesying using harps, stringed instruments, and cymbals (1 Chronicles 25:1-3). This highlights that, despite their prestigious position, they also took on the role of gatekeepers in the House of the Lord.
In military settings, it is common for combatants to perform gatekeeping duties in rotation. Similarly, misunderstandings have arisen in some instances, such as when the spouses of military sergeants misjudged their rank after seeing them guarding gates. The scriptures consistently remind us to embrace humility, regardless of the authority or position God has entrusted to us on this earth.
Remembering God During Difficult Times
I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. – Psalms 77:1-4 (NIV)
A common mistake we make is seeking God only during times of difficulty. With this mindset, we interpret verses like Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,” and only think of Him in times of trouble, forgetting Him when life is good. Yet, when we are in distress, our minds often struggle to focus, making it even harder to hear His voice. Meditation on God’s Word is our lifeline, but even the Psalmist lamented that his spirit grew faint. If we fail to maintain a consistent connection with God, it becomes increasingly difficult to reach out to Him when we are weary and broken.
It’s not uncommon for people to say, “I can’t even pray because of my agony.” If our prayers are made only in moments of crisis, we risk missing the help God offers when we are overwhelmed. This highlights an important truth: God is always near to us, but it is often we who choose to ignore His presence—whether distracted by blessings or consumed by our problems. Cultivating a continual awareness of Him ensures we are prepared to lean on His strength in every season of life.
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked:
“Will the Lord reject forever?
Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever?
Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful?
Has he in anger withheld his compassion? ” – Psalms 77:5-9 (NIV)
None of us can deny having experienced the joy of God’s presence at some point, and this pleasant memory often becomes a source of comfort during difficult times. Living in a fallen world, where hatred and revenge dominate, challenges us deeply. A religious person may strive to resist these attitudes, but religion alone cannot provide the strength to overcome them. Yet, people frequently rely on religion instead of God, only to find themselves ensnared in hatred.
Surrounded by merciless individuals, we may begin to project the same harsh qualities onto God. The Psalmist expressed a similar sentiment in this passage. However, God is love, and He is merciful. Our negative experiences with the wicked often lead us to separate God from His love and mercy. This is a grave misunderstanding, as we fail to grasp the consequences if God were to withhold His mercy. Jeremiah reminds us in Lamentations 3:22: “Because of the LORD’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.” Despite our iniquities, we endure solely by His grace. Yet, standing on that very grace, we sometimes accuse God of forgetting to be merciful.
God, You Redeemed Your People!
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. – Psalms 77:10-15 (NIV)
The Psalms often remind us of God’s works, and one of the best remedies for weariness is to observe and admire His creation. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasized that creation reveals the Creator. When our strength falters, looking at the beauty and power of nature reminds us of God’s might, helping us to find renewed strength in Him.
In a secular world where openly speaking the name of our Father God may be discouraged, the attribute of His holiness stands as a defining alternative. Referring to Him as the “Holy God” unmistakably points to our Father, as no one else can claim that name. Holiness is the very essence of who God is. While people may often focus on His miracles, such acts could sometimes be misattributed to sources other than God.
A common shortcoming in our relationship with God is that we often regard Him merely as the God of our fathers and forefathers, rather than owning Him as our personal Father. How often do we address Him as “My Father”? Only through a personal relationship with God can we truly do so. Jesus became our brother to make His Father our Father, and God poured out His Spirit upon us so that we can call Him “Abba, Father!”
Your Path Led Through The Sea
The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth. Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind,
your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. – Psalms 77:16-20 (NIV)
The Psalmist’s shift from despair to remembering God’s faithfulness would not have endured if it were based solely on the miracles he witnessed or heard about. Transitions driven by blessings or miracles often prove temporary, as people tend to backslide in their faith when such experiences are absent.
Is our faith in God rooted in the miracles He has performed in our lives, or does it arise from the unconditional love He continually pours out on us? For the God who created all things, performing a miracle is effortless. Therefore, our focus should not be on miracles but on His boundless love, which stands in stark contrast to the conditional love so often found in the world.
To grasp the full dimensions of His love—the width, length, depth, and height—we must rise above the world’s standards and expectations. Relying on the experiences of others will not sustain us. Instead, experiencing His love personally is the key to opening the doors to a deeper relationship with Him, where we can truly embrace God as our own Heavenly Father.
Father God, keep us always under the shelter of Your wings, so that we need not cry out in times of distress. Instead, let Your glorious presence drive away all our troubles and fill us with Your peace. Amen.
The Jordan Valley 
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