God has not forgotten you.
What do you do when you're discouraged? With the pandemic, many of us have been in a season and a place of discouragement for many months now. But when you think about it, what are some tools that we can use spiritually as children of God, to work through our discouragement?
One of the things I love to do is read the Psalms. The psalms are so honest and so beautiful. This morning, I read Psalm 77. And I encourage you to read it. It's an amazing Psalm and it's written by someone who was very discouraged. Listen to what he says.
He says, “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” (Psalm 77:1-3).
He's in trouble. He's discouraged. And then he asked the questions, “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?” (Psalm 11:7-9).
This writer is questioning everything. And we all go through those times. I know I do. But the beautiful thing about this Psalm 77 is the way the writer turns his thoughts and reminds himself of what is true. He says, “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.’” (Psalm 77:10-12).
Then he starts to talk about how great God is! And my friends, maybe you are feeling discouraged today, but I want you to take a moment to remember what God has done for you. Has he been good to you? Has he done good things? Has he done miracles in your life? Has he brought you through? Has he provided for you? Remember what he has done for you—why would he fail you now?
God is a holy God. And all His ways are holy. Turn your heart to Him today. Remember how good he has been to you and His Holy Spirit will lift you out of your discouragement!
“…the beautiful thing about this Psalm 77 is the way the writer turns his thoughts and reminds himself of what is true.”
Psalm 77:12
“I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”