It's Not About Me

Reflections for this date are based on the following scripture passages:

Psalms 77

Psalms 77 depicts a psalmist who went from despair to praise. In the beginning he was despondent and blaming God for his circumstances and in the end he was singing God's praises. What made the difference?

In the beginning the psalmist was focused on his problem and on himself, refusing to be comforted, as he says in verse 2. The first 10 verses are all about him and God is the cause of his problem. He raised the question in verse 9, "Has God forgotten to be gracious?"

But in verse 11 he decided to change his focus from himself to God: "I will remember the LORD's works; yes, I will remember Your ancient wonders." And with this change in focus came a change in his attitude. As he remembered what all God had done for him and his people in the past he was renewed in spirit.

He despaired over a moment in time in which he was troubled, and in his despair that moment seemed like forever. But as he remembered God's wonders in past history he regained his perspective. God is indeed a gracious God, and this time of despair will indeed pass!