Seeking God Through Lament and Worship in Trouble
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Grace. Today, we delved into Psalm 77, a prescriptive Psalm that offers clear steps for seeking God during times of trouble. While I generally caution against oversimplified formulas for spiritual growth, this Psalm provides essential actions to take when we face life's challenges. We are in the midst of our "Summer in the Psalms" series, and I encourage everyone to immerse themselves in the Psalms using the plus 30 reading plan. This plan allows you to read through all the Psalms each month, providing a rich spiritual experience.
Psalm 77, written by Asaph, is a raw and honest expression of pain, doubt, and ultimately, faith. Asaph was a worship leader appointed by David, and his Psalms reflect his deep emotional and spiritual struggles. This Psalm teaches us the importance of lamenting—bringing our grief, confusion, and pain to God and expressing it out loud. Lamenting is not a sign of weakness but a sign of intimacy with God. It allows us to be honest with Him and with our trusted community.
Asaph's journey in Psalm 77 shows us that seeking God in times of trouble involves crying out to Him, even when comfort seems elusive. He reminds us to remember God's past faithfulness, both in our lives and in the history of His people. This act of remembering helps us to refocus our thoughts and leads us to worship, even in the midst of our struggles. The Psalm also highlights the importance of community and not isolating ourselves during difficult times.
In conclusion, Psalm 77 encourages us to seek God in our day of trouble, to cry out to Him, to remember His faithfulness, and to let these actions lead us to worship. This Psalm is a powerful reminder that God is with us in our pain and that He will show up for us in a powerful way.
### Key Takeaways
1. Lamenting as a Sign of Intimacy: Lamenting is not a sign of weakness but a sign of intimacy with God. It involves bringing our deepest pains, confusions, and sorrows to the surface and expressing them out loud to God and our trusted community. This verbal expression is crucial for true lament. [53:08]
2. The Importance of Remembering: In times of trouble, it is essential to remember God's past faithfulness. This act of remembering helps us refocus our thoughts and reminds us of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. It is a spiritual exercise that strengthens our faith and leads us to worship. [01:05:38]
3. Seeking God in the Day of Trouble: Psalm 77 teaches us to seek God actively during our most challenging times. This involves crying out to Him, even when comfort seems elusive, and continuing to reach out for Him. Persistence in seeking God, even when immediate comfort is not felt, is crucial. [01:00:12]
4. Community and Isolation: In times of deep trouble, people tend to isolate themselves. However, Psalm 77 encourages us to reach out to our trusted community and not to walk through our struggles alone. Isolation can hinder our spiritual growth, while community support can provide strength and encouragement. [58:57]
5. Worship as a Response to Trouble: Remembering God's faithfulness and crying out to Him should lead us to worship. Worship grounds us and provides a foundation amidst life's storms. Whether we are joyful, distressed, or confused, worship is a powerful response that aligns our hearts with God's truth. [01:13:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[40:33] - Skepticism of Prescriptive Steps
[41:32] - Introduction to Psalm 77
[42:26] - Plus 30 Reading Plan
[43:04] - The Beauty of the Psalms
[44:17] - Reading Psalm 77
[45:14] - The Importance of Psalm Titles
[47:14] - Asaph's Background
[50:12] - Strength Through Adversity
[51:38] - The Prescription: Seek the Lord
[53:08] - The Discipline of Lament
[54:55] - The Importance of Verbal Expression
[58:57] - Avoiding Isolation
[01:00:12] - Persistence in Seeking God
[01:05:38] - Remembering God's Faithfulness
[01:13:18] - Worship as a Response
[01:14:51] - Closing Invitations
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 77
#### Observation Questions
1. What emotions does Asaph express in Psalm 77, and how does he communicate them to God? [44:17]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the title of Psalm 77? [45:14]
3. How does Asaph describe his actions and feelings during his time of trouble in Psalm 77? [47:14]
4. What does Asaph remember about God’s past actions, and how does this affect his perspective? [01:05:38]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is lamenting considered a sign of intimacy with God rather than a sign of weakness? [53:08]
2. How does remembering God's past faithfulness help us during times of trouble, according to the sermon? [01:05:38]
3. What role does community play in our spiritual journey during difficult times, as highlighted in the sermon? [58:57]
4. How does worship serve as a response to trouble, and why is it important? [01:13:18]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced deep trouble. Did you cry out to God? How did it affect your relationship with Him? [51:38]
2. Think about a specific instance where you remembered God's past faithfulness during a challenging time. How did this act of remembering impact your faith and actions? [01:05:38]
3. Are there areas in your life where you tend to isolate yourself during difficult times? How can you reach out to your trusted community instead? [58:57]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of lament into your prayer life? What specific steps will you take to verbalize your pain and confusion to God and your community? [53:08]
5. Identify a current struggle you are facing. How can you actively seek God in this situation, even if comfort seems elusive? [01:00:12]
6. In what ways can you let your remembrance of God's faithfulness lead you to worship this week? Be specific about how you will practice this. [01:13:18]
7. How can you support someone in your community who is going through a difficult time? What practical steps can you take to be there for them? [58:57]
Devotional
Day 1: Lamenting as a Path to Intimacy with God
Lamenting is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness, but it is actually a profound expression of intimacy with God. When we bring our deepest pains, confusions, and sorrows to the surface and express them out loud to God and our trusted community, we are engaging in a spiritual discipline that fosters a closer relationship with Him. This verbal expression is crucial for true lament, as it allows us to be honest with God and others about our struggles. Lamenting is not about complaining but about seeking God's presence and comfort in our pain. It is a way to acknowledge our dependence on Him and to invite Him into our suffering. [53:08]
Psalm 77:1-2 (ESV): "I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted."
Reflection: Think of a recent time when you felt deep pain or confusion. How can you bring this to God in a lament, expressing your feelings out loud to Him and perhaps sharing with a trusted friend or community member?
Day 2: Remembering God's Faithfulness
In times of trouble, it is essential to remember God's past faithfulness. This act of remembering helps us refocus our thoughts and reminds us of God's steadfast love and faithfulness. It is a spiritual exercise that strengthens our faith and leads us to worship. By recalling how God has been faithful in our lives and in the history of His people, we can find hope and encouragement even in the midst of our struggles. Remembering God's faithfulness is not just about looking back but also about trusting Him for the future. It is a way to anchor our hearts in His unchanging character and promises. [01:05:38]
Psalm 77:11-12 (ESV): "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds."
Reflection: Take a moment to write down specific instances where you have experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can these memories help you trust Him in your current situation?
Day 3: Seeking God in the Day of Trouble
Psalm 77 teaches us to seek God actively during our most challenging times. This involves crying out to Him, even when comfort seems elusive, and continuing to reach out for Him. Persistence in seeking God, even when immediate comfort is not felt, is crucial. It is in these moments of desperation that we often encounter God in profound ways. Seeking God in our day of trouble is about being honest with Him about our struggles and not giving up on our pursuit of His presence. It is about trusting that He is with us, even when we cannot feel His comfort immediately. [01:00:12]
Psalm 77:2-3 (ESV): "In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted. When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints."
Reflection: What is one specific area of trouble or distress in your life right now? How can you actively seek God in this area, even if comfort seems elusive?
Day 4: The Power of Community in Times of Trouble
In times of deep trouble, people tend to isolate themselves. However, Psalm 77 encourages us to reach out to our trusted community and not to walk through our struggles alone. Isolation can hinder our spiritual growth, while community support can provide strength and encouragement. Being part of a community allows us to share our burdens, receive prayer, and find comfort in the presence of others who care for us. It is a reminder that we are not meant to walk through life's challenges alone but to support and be supported by others. [58:57]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who is a trusted person or community in your life that you can reach out to for support in your current struggles? How can you take a step towards connecting with them today?
Day 5: Worship as a Response to Trouble
Remembering God's faithfulness and crying out to Him should lead us to worship. Worship grounds us and provides a foundation amidst life's storms. Whether we are joyful, distressed, or confused, worship is a powerful response that aligns our hearts with God's truth. Worship is not just about singing songs but about acknowledging God's greatness and sovereignty in every situation. It is a way to shift our focus from our problems to God's power and presence. Worshiping in times of trouble is an act of faith that declares our trust in God's goodness and His ability to work all things for our good. [01:13:18]
Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV): "Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation."
Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, especially during times of trouble? How can worship help you shift your focus from your problems to God's presence and power?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The Psalms are the inspired word of God that teach us how to be human and prepare us for every possible circumstance. And today's Psalm is no exception. So, grab your Bibles or your journals and turn to Psalm 77. Like so many of the Psalms, this is a pretty gritty and raw, um, Psalm. If you didn't bring a Bible and you don't have your journals with you, there's a Bible under your seat. If you want to read along, welcome to do that." [43:48] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the day of trouble, seek the Lord. The reality is when we go through the most difficult seasons, when I picture that, I picture the trees in the forest, that are toppled up, we either are blown over or our roots go deeper, right? There seems to be no in-between. In the deepest of trouble, we're either uprooted or our roots go deeper." [51:38] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Sometimes we need to tell our soul what is true, just like the video. There's almost a year passes of Jessica telling her soul what is true. No, I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And she kept saying, and I didn't really believe it, but I kept saying it until the day it finally clicked. And now it is ingrained. And she is one of the most beautiful, strong people. I know she's part of our team. She's amazing woman who knows that she is fearfully and wonderfully made because she kept speaking that truth into her own soul." [01:04:13] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Sometimes we just need to stop, put the pieces back together and remember. Asaph says, in the days of trouble, seek the Lord. One last encouragement for you and I think this is a great thing. is an encouragement. But when you struggle, when you have troubles, when you are really unsettled, you are in really good company. You know, Job said, my eyes will never see anything good. My eyes are never going to see anything good again. That wasn't the way the story played out, but that's where Job was at the moment." [01:10:52] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You got to fight. You got to stay in the fight, and you got to fight for more of God. In the day of trouble, seek the Lord. So I want to just kind of recap where we've been. Follow the rhythm of this psalm. Cry out to God. Use your voice. Do not isolate yourself. Use your voice. Cry out to God. Cry out to the trusted community. Cry out to the people who are going to walk with you. Use your voice. Do not isolate yourself, but go to the community, and go to God, and speak what's bothering you out loud." [01:11:44] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "I think it's fascinating that our brains are actually hardwired for lament. Our brains are actually hardwired actually for the speaking of trauma. So modern psychotherapy or therapy, if you've ever been through therapy, I've been through enough therapy. There's no shame in going through therapy. But what is the tip or the typical way that therapists work is they ask you, tell me what happened. So you tell the whole story, and then they get you, how did you feel? And you walk away thinking those are the easiest questions ever. But there's something that happens in our brain, right side, left side of our brains. It happens when we speak about trauma, when we bring trauma to the service, and we talk about what happened and how it made us feel. We are hardwired to lament." [54:55] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And actually, to lament, it's not complaining, it's actually a sign of intimacy. So I have a close friend I've been meeting with for over 25 years. Almost every Friday morning, we have breakfast together. So I sit with Mike, and what I know about Mike is that he's a great guy. He's a great guy. He's a great guy. He's a great guy. I can tell Mike my disappointments. I can tell Mike my greatest struggle at the time. He is a trusted friend. And the fact that I will not only share the difficulties of my life, but also the things that are going great, it's because we have an intimate friendship, right? It's a sign of intimacy. The fact that you can go to God and talk to God and tell God your deepest emotions and be like the psalmist and just be honest with God. When God doesn't make sense, tell him he doesn't make sense. When you're mad at God, tell him you're mad. All of those things, it's not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of intimacy." [57:34] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "So as you read Psalm 77, you're going to become more and more aware. So if you read through it a couple times, maybe in the afternoon today or in some time ahead, you're going to be more and more aware of the tension that exists in the Psalm. It's about pain and it's also about relief. It's about turmoil and it's about comfort. It's about having doubts and still trusting in God. We see all of these, what seem to be conflicting emotions and feelings in the same Psalm. This is what we call a Psalm of lament. There are more Psalms of lament in the scriptures than any other types of Psalms. And a lament is basically a passionate expression of grief or sorrow, an expression of loss, an expression of loss." [53:08] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And the idea is that we take the things of the past, those things that have happened to us, and we don't put them in their right order, right? We don't remember who's responsible for them. We begin to take credit for things that we shouldn't take credit for or we place blame on people who shouldn't have the blame. We get the whole thing out of order and to really remember is to put everything in its rightful place and to remember it for what it actually is. And I think that's part of what we have to do with the gospel at times. We have to remember that God chose you. That if you even understand the gospel, it's because the spirit of God revealed that to you. You didn't do anything to earn it. You didn't do anything to deserve it. You can't do enough to get it. But sometimes we begin to give ourselves way too much credit and we dismember the gospel and we gotta go back to the truth and we gotta remember what the gospel really is. Put the pieces together where they belong." [01:09:18] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So sometimes we need to remember the gospel. We have this practice we've been doing here for quite a few years and personally, I love it. I hope that you've been doing it with us. But the idea is at the end of the year, beginning of the year, you begin to pray about a word. God, would you give me a word that I could just meditate on and let sink in for the entire year? With the thought being that if you do this for 10 years, 15 years, that certain truths are going to be embedded in who you are. Well, my word for 2024 is the word remember. And I purposefully hyphenated this because there was an epiphany along the way late in the year where I realized that the opposite of remembering is not forgetting. Remembering is not forgetting. The opposite of remembering is to dismember." [01:08:38] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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