The Jesus Bible Reading Plan / OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

The Jesus Bible Reading Plan

Day 210 of 365 OUR HELP IN AGES PAST This is one psalm, but it reads like two distinct chapters. In the first nine verses, the author bared his soul. He cried out for help, but remained uncomforted (v. 2). The difficulties he faced kept his eyes open at night and his mouth shut during the day (v. 4). In the midst of trouble, he asked the honest questions many in this broken world ask: Does God still love me? Are God's promises still true? (vv. 7 - 8). That is the first "chapter" of this psalm. Then the psalmist remembered something else, namely, the character of the God he cried out to. In this second "chapter," he meditated upon the deeds of his God (vv. 10 - 12), the character of his God (v. 13) and the power of his God (vv. 14 - 20). Long before the psalmist's sufferings, the people of God were in bondage in Egypt. God heard their cry, redeeming them with a mighty arm (vv. 15 - 19). In the midst of trouble, the psalmist's only hope was the character of his God. Jesus instructed his disciples along the same lines in John 14. Though he never promised them a life of ease, he encouraged them to believe in the midst of trouble (Jn 14:1). Their only hope, too, was the character of the God who spoke to them. This Jesus - God incarnate - heard their cries and put his power on display by redeeming them. Jesus, I know that trouble will always be near. Give me courage in the midst of it, so that I may focus on living my life for you. Amen. Psalms 77:11-20 NASB 11 I shall remember the deeds of the L ord ; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work And muse on Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. 15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were in anguish; The deeps also trembled. 17 The clouds poured out water; The skies gave forth a sound; Your arrows flashed here and there. 18 The sound of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known. 20 You led Your people like a flock