I’m working my way through the Psalms and this morning I was in Psalm 77.

I started reading and got caught up in the Psalmist’s despair.

I cried out to God…

I stretched out untiring hands and would not be comforted

I groaned

My spirit grew faint.

The Psalmist even recounts his honest inner questioning:

And I paraphrase…

Has God forgotten me?

Why has he withdrawn his blessing?

Has he stopped loving me?

Is he angry with me?

Resonate with anyone?

Anyone ever feel heavy-hearted?

Struggling?

With life? With faith? With people?

Anyone ever despair over seeming unanswered prayers?

Anyone ever question God’s love for them?

Anyone ever wonder if God must be angry at them?

I think the Psalmist speaks for us all.

But then the Psalm turns.

Verses 10-12.

Read it for yourself.

He makes a decision.

To remember God’s works.

To consider God’s deeds.

To meditate upon all that God has done.

Do you get what he’s doing?

He’s changing his focus.

From himself to Him.

From down to up.

From problems to praise.

The rest of the Psalm, God is the focus.

The Psalmist feeds his soul on the goodness and deeds of God.

In fact, if you’re really keen, take a look yourself.

Look in verses 1-6 and see the repetition of the word “I”.

I, I, I, I……

Over and over again it’s all about himself.

And then, when he changes his focus, v13 onwards, see the pronoun?

You, You, You.

Your, Your, Your.

There is something really powerful about re-orientating our hearts to God.

We’re built up.

Fed.

Quenched.

Strengthened.

Encouraged.

 

Do you need to refocus?

Do you need to change your perspective?

Listen to the Psalmist….

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.