Asaph cries out to God in distress, but his prayer appears to go unanswered. During one of these sleepless nights, he concludes that God was keeping him awake and troubling his heart. With a faint spirit, he asks God six rhetorical questions (7-9) because God seems to be rejecting him and withholding his compassion toward him. He then deliberately focuses his thoughts on past times when God seemed so near. He remembers God's mighty works for his people and meditates on them. Then Asaph realizes: Although God's footprints were unseen, God shepherded his people through the Red Sea. God's way often appears hidden, even when he is leading.

When we feel locked down by the trials of life, how can we regain spiritual perspective? Instead of looking at the trials and questioning God's seeming indifference and silence, we need to turn our hearts toward the rearview mirror at God's past blessings. Until when should we remember, consider, and meditate on God's past blessings and mighty works for us and his people? Until we recognize that Jesus is shepherding us faithfully, although his shepherding is sometimes hidden.


Application: Lord, help me to remember your mighty work in and around me and to trust in Jesus, my good shepherd who shepherds us faithfully.
One Word: Remember God's work