SCRIPTURE: Psalm 77
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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; I 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]
The psalmist is grieving the suffering of Israel, perhaps the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile of the people.
Things have gotten so bad, nothing brings hope to him and he is despairing.
And yet he does not give up: he looks backward, he reflects on the past, he considers the power of God in other situations, and is encouraged.
I will remember the deeds of the Lord!

“Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!
[Luke 12:27-28]
Jesus is speaking to the disciples about worry; the situation is not the same, but the message is similar.
When things around you get all scary or confusing, consider the lilies.
Think about how God cares for the creation, then put your faith in that God.
Consider God’s deeds, in the past or in the creation, in my own life or in the lives of others throughout history.

It’s a matter of focus, it’s a matter of worship.
Worship is the attributing of ‘worth’ to something, saying that it merits your focus and attention because it is worthy.
When we elevate the problems, sufferings or challenges we experience to the highest place, we are worshiping them.
We should not deny our struggles, and we should not pretend that everything is OK (don’t worry, be happy).
But neither should we ‘exalt’ our problems or ‘magnify’ our crises to a place that God deserves – that is worship.

As hard as it is, the best thing to do no matter what is to worship God, to remember His power, His love, His promise, His purpose.
Affirm your problems (God, this is what I am going through) but exalt your God (But God is bigger).
The psalmist remembers how God made a way for His people through the red sea, under the leadership of Moses (Psalm 77:16-20).
Jesus remembers how God cares for the birds of the air and the lilies of the field.
What will you remember, what will I focus on…
What will we worship?

PRAYER:
Lord, my problems are small compared to others. Help me to follow the example of the psalmist and focus on You, not on my problems. Grant me faith to see You are the biggest!