5.4 Has His Promise Failed Forevermore?

Read Psalm 77. What experience does the author go through?

In Psalm 77, the author undergoes a profound spiritual crisis marked by doubts and pains. Here are some key aspects of this experience:

1. Lament and Pain:

   • The psalmist begins with a heart-wrenching cry for help to God, expressing their complaints and painful memories. Their soul is in mourning and unrest.

2. Groaning in Remembrance of God:

   • The remembrance of God intensifies the psalmist’s sorrow. Instead of finding comfort, the mere mention of God seems to amplify their suffering. Their entire being is in a state of profound unrest.

3. Doubt in God’s Immutability:

   • The psalmist poses disturbing questions that indicate doubt in God’s immutability. Has God changed? Can He break His covenant? These questions make the psalmist feel abandoned by God.

4. Sleeplessness and Nocturnal Reflections:

   • The crisis leads to sleeplessness as the psalmist contemplates whether God has changed. Nocturnal reflections revolve around the past and the apparent absence of God in the present.

5. Remembering God’s Actions in the Past:

   • Despite doubts, the psalmist recalls God’s saving actions in the past. Reflections on God’s wonders in the history of Israel strengthen their resolve.

6. Encouragement through God’s Assurance:

   • The response the psalmist receives from God does not consist of specific explanations regarding their personal situation. Instead, God emphasizes His faithfulness and trustworthiness. The psalmist is encouraged to wait in faith on the Lord.

7. Acknowledgment of God’s Mysterious Guidance:

   • The psalmist acknowledges that God’s footprints often go unnoticed. Despite the apparent absence of God, they recognize the mysterious and sovereign ways of the Lord.

Lessons for us:

• In times of crisis, it is normal to feel doubts and pains. It is important to express these feelings before God and communicate honestly with Him.

• Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past can strengthen us in difficult times and fortify our faith.

• Even when God seems silent, we can trust in His assurances and rely on the fact that His ways are often hidden from us.

Overall, Psalm 77 shows a way through spiritual crises by dealing honestly with God, remembering His faithfulness, and trusting that God’s sovereign guidance is effective even when not apparent.

Think about past times when God has worked in your life. How can this truth help you deal with whatever you are currently experiencing?

The remembrance of past times when God has worked in my life can be a significant source of hope and comfort, especially when facing current challenges. Here are some ways in which this truth can be helpful:

1. Strengthening of Faith:

   • The remembrance of past experiences with God’s work strengthens my faith. It serves as a testimony to God’s faithfulness and power in my life.

2. Trust in God’s Character:

   • The experience of God’s work in the past reminds me of His character and promises. Trusting in God’s unchanging nature provides security and hope in uncertain times.

3. Encouragement in Hopelessness:

   • In moments of hopelessness, recalling the past reminds me that God has found ways to guide, comfort, and support me. This encouragement helps me not to lose courage.

4. Shift in Perspective:

   • Reflecting on past experiences with God’s work can help view current circumstances from a different perspective. It reminds me that God acts even in challenging times.

5. Fostering Gratitude:

   • Looking back on God’s work fosters an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude helps shift the focus from current difficulties to God’s faithfulness.

6. Hope for the Future:

   • The past is an indicator of God’s work in my life. This creates hope for the future, as I trust that God will continue to work in my life.

7. Praying with Certainty:

   • Remembering past times when prayers were answered strengthens my conviction in the power of prayer. I can pray with certainty that God is effective in the present and future.

8. Encouragement for Others:

   • Sharing stories of God’s work in my life can also encourage others. Testimonies can be a source of inspiration and hope for others facing challenges.

In summary, remembering God’s work in the past helps maintain a positive and trusting attitude, even in the presence of current challenges and uncertainties. It serves as an anchor of faith, reminding that God is capable of guiding us through difficult times.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-4-has-his-promise-failed-forevermore/

5.3 Where is God?

Read Psalm 42:2–4; 63:2; 69:2–4, and 102:2–8. What causes great distress to the psalmist?

The quoted verses from Psalm 42:2–4, 63:2, 69:2–4, and 102:2–8 convey the psalmist’s deep sense of suffering intensified by the apparent absence of God. Here are key aspects and what causes great distress to the psalmist:

Psalm 42:2–4:

• The psalmist describes their thirst for God, likened to intense thirst in a dry land.

• The longing for God’s presence is compared to living water, and God’s absence is felt as painful.

Psalm 63:2:

• The psalmist expresses their yearning for God in the wilderness, where water is essential for life. God’s absence is experienced as thirst in a dry and parched land.

Psalm 69:2–4:

• The psalmist feels estranged from God, describing their situation as feeling swallowed by mighty waters and sinking in deep mud.

• The psalmist’s distress is so overwhelming that without divine intervention, there is no hope of deliverance.

Psalm 102:2–8:

• The psalmist describes their deep fear of death and loneliness.

• The mention of birds like the owl and the little owl emphasizes the feeling of isolation and solitude. The psalmist compares themselves to a bird lonely on the roof, outside its secure nest.

General Suffering:

• It is emphasized that it’s not only the personal suffering of the psalmist that troubles them, but also the apparent absence of God.

• Metaphors of thirst, water, and birds underscore the urgent need for God’s presence and reveal the depth of the psalmist’s soulful distress.

Feeling of Isolation:

• The desert, the bird on the roof, and the use of images like swallowing waters and deep mud emphasize the hopelessness and loneliness of the psalmist.

• The absence of God is felt as particularly painful, as the psalmist feels removed from their place of rest, security, and protection.

Overall, these Psalms express deep suffering caused by the apparent distance from God. The psalmist experiences not only personal difficulties but also the painful feeling of estrangement from God, intensifying the suffering. These Psalms reflect the human experience of longing for God’s presence and the profound distress arising from its apparent absence.

Read Psalm 10:12; 22:2; 27:9, and 39:13. How does the psalmist react to the apparent absence of God?

The quoted verses from Psalm 10:12; 22:2; 27:9, and 39:13 provide insight into the psalmist’s reaction to the apparent absence of God. Here are some key aspects:

Psalm 10:12:

• The psalmist prays and calls upon God despite the apparent absence.

• They acknowledge that God will not remain silent forever and trust that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail.

Psalm 22:2:

• The psalmist begins with the words, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

• Although the Psalm starts with a cry of abandonment, it evolves into an expression of trust in God’s redemption and faithfulness.

Psalm 27:9:

• The psalmist asks God not to hide His face and turn not in anger.

• Despite the apparent absence of God, the psalmist encourages themselves to wait on the Lord and be of good courage.

Psalm 39:13:

• The psalmist prays to God, asking Him to take notice of their prayers.

• While aware of life’s transience, the psalmist continues to place trust in God and seeks ongoing communication.

Confession, Humility, and Confidence:

• The psalmists choose not to remain silent but to turn to God, even when His response is not immediately evident.

• Prayer is seen as a means to connect with the living and merciful God, even in His apparent silence.

Continuous Communication with God:

• The psalmists recognize that prayer and communication with God are crucial in all life circumstances, even when God seems temporarily silent.

• The Psalms show that the relationship with God must be maintained despite challenges and apparent absence.

Overall, these Psalms reflect the tension between sensing God’s absence and maintaining firm belief that God will eventually respond. The psalmists demonstrate an act of trust by persistently praying, examining themselves, and seeking God with confession and humility.

What can we learn from the psalmist’s reactions to the apparent absence of God? How do you respond during times when God seems silent? What keeps your faith alive?

The psalmist’s reactions to the apparent absence of God offer valuable lessons for our own spiritual lives, especially in times of silence or difficulty. Here are some teachings we can draw from the psalmist’s reactions:

1. Continuation of Prayer:

   • Despite God’s apparent absence, the psalmist remains committed to prayer. We can learn that prayer is a vital expression of our relationship with God, even when immediate answers are not received.

2. Expression of Emotions:

   • The Psalms teach us that it’s okay to express our feelings, including frustration, uncertainty, and abandonment, before God. Honestly sharing our emotions can lead to a deeper understanding and connection with God.

3. Confession and Humility:

   • The psalmist confesses their dependence on God and seeks His help. In times of apparent absence, we can learn to remain humble and acknowledge our need for God’s guidance and intervention.

4. Trust in God’s Character:

   • Even when God seems silent, the psalmist emphasizes God’s justice, mercy, and love. We can learn to maintain our trust in God’s character, even when we don’t fully understand the reasons for His actions.

5. Remembrance of God’s Faithfulness in the Past:

   • The psalmists often recall God’s actions in the past. We can learn that reflecting on God’s faithfulness in previous experiences can help us endure in faith, even when the present is challenging.

6. Faith Amidst Uncertainty:

   • The psalmist chooses faith despite uncertainty. In times of God’s seeming silence, we can learn to actively nurture our faith and hold onto the truth that God is still sovereign and present.

Personal Response:

• During times of God’s apparent silence, it’s crucial to communicate honestly and sincerely with God. Prayer, meditation on Scripture, and actively nurturing our relationship with God are essential.

• Remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and trusting in His character help keep faith alive.

• Community with other believers can be supportive during such times, providing opportunities for collective prayer and spiritual strengthening.

In summary, the psalmist’s reactions teach us that our relationship with God remains paramount in both good and challenging times. It’s essential to express our emotions and thoughts before God, maintain faith through prayer, and trust that God is still present even in moments of apparent silence.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-3-where-is-god/

5.2 At Death’s Door

Read Psalm 41:2–5; 88:4–13; and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24. What experiences do these verses describe, and to what extent can you relate to what is being said?

The cited verses from Psalm 41:2–5, 88:4–13, and 102:3–5, 11, 23–24 provide insight into the profound experiences of suffering, illness, and the potential nearness of death faced by the psalmists. Here are key experiences described in these verses and ways in which they can be relatable:

Psalm 41:2–5:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and illness.

• He feels abandoned by friends and suffers from betrayal.

Psalm 88:4–13:

• The psalmist is at the threshold of death.

• He feels forsaken by God, expresses his suffering, and acknowledges being in deep darkness.

• Nevertheless, the lament itself is an act of faith, and the psalmist clings to God, recalling God’s wonders, goodness, and faithfulness.

Psalm 102:3–5, 11, 23–24:

• The psalmist describes his physical weakness and misery.

• He feels like a bird in the desert and an owl in the ruins.

• The days of suffering bring him to the threshold of death.

• Yet, he remembers God’s sovereignty and seeks grace and mercy.

Relatability:

• Every person can identify with the described experiences in various ways, whether through personal illness, suffering, betrayal, or the feeling of abandonment.

• The psalms emphasize that believers are not exempt from life’s challenges but can turn to God in their distress.

Theological Aspect:

• Some psalms suggest that illness and suffering can be consequences of sin, while others, like Psalm 88, emphasize innocent suffering.

• The certainty of God’s sovereignty provides hope even when understanding the why of suffering is limited.

Connection to Christ:

• Reflecting on Psalm 88 in light of Christ’s suffering emphasizes God’s deep love, leading Jesus to cross the threshold of death to redeem humanity.

In summary, these psalms illustrate that dealing with suffering and illness is a profound spiritual journey where believers can recognize both their weaknesses and unwavering hope in God’s sovereignty. It underscores the importance of the act of faith, holding onto God even in the darkest times, and remembering His goodness and faithfulness.

Now, ponder Jesus on the cross and what He suffered because of sin. How should this fact, that God in Christ suffered even more than any of us, help us hold onto our faith in times of suffering and testing?

Reflecting on Jesus on the cross and His suffering due to sin provides a profound perspective that can assist us in holding onto our faith during times of suffering and testing. Here are some considerations:

1. Compassion and Identification:

   • Jesus didn’t merely observe our suffering; He experienced it firsthand. His suffering was more intense and profound than anything we could ever experience.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that Jesus understands our compassion and can identify with our weaknesses.

2. Love and Sacrifice:

   • Jesus’s suffering was an act of unconditional love and voluntary sacrifice for the redemption of humanity.

   • This love and sacrifice should encourage us to radiate love during times of suffering and be willing to advocate for the well-being of others.

3. Hope and Redemption:

   • Through His suffering, Jesus opened the door to hope and redemption. His sacrifice allows us to experience forgiveness and eternal life.

   • Amid our suffering, we can look to the hope of redemption through Christ, knowing that our present sufferings do not have the final word.

4. God’s Sovereignty and Purpose:

   • Jesus’s suffering was part of the divine plan for humanity’s redemption. It was not meaningless but had a deep, divine purpose.

   • In our suffering, we can trust that God has sovereignty over all things and can bring a higher purpose even from the most challenging circumstances.

5. Trust in God’s Love:

   • Jesus on the cross is the ultimate sign of God’s love for us. Even in the greatest suffering, God did not abandon us.

   • In our sufferings, we can trust in the unchanging love of God and rely on the assurance that He is with us, even when it’s not always evident.

6. Coping with Suffering:

   • Jesus demonstrated that suffering is not the end. His death was followed by resurrection, symbolizing victory over death and suffering.

   • In our own sufferings, we can look to the hope of resurrection and trust that God’s power is effective in our weakness.

In conclusion, contemplating Jesus on the cross assures us that even in the deepest depths of suffering and testing, God is with us. It encourages us not to give up our faith but to trust that God’s love, hope, and redemption are superior in every situation.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-2-at-deaths-door/

Lesson 5. Singing the Lord’s Song in a Strange Land

Lesson 5 takes us into the deep emotions of the Psalms, sung by the children of God in the midst of suffering, injustice, and doubt. In this lesson, we explore how the psalmists coped with their crises, found comfort through a change in perspective in the sanctuary, and hoped in God’s justice. These Psalms not only provide insight into the human experience but also demonstrate how faith in God’s character and the promises of God’s judgment bring comfort and hope to believers in the midst of difficulties. Let’s dive into the profound words of these Psalms and be inspired by their wisdom for our own faith journey.

5.1 The Days of Evil

Read Psalm 74:18–22 and 79:5–13. What is at stake here?

The two passages from Psalms, Psalm 74:18–22 and Psalm 79:5–13, address the sufferings of the people of Israel in the face of destruction and threat. The psalmist laments the calamity that has befallen Jerusalem and the temple, seeking understanding for the suffering of his people. Here are some key points at stake:

1. God’s Honor and Power: The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple is seen as an attack on God’s honor. If the enemies go unpunished, it could create the impression that God is powerless or not fulfilling His commitments. The defense of God’s character in the world is at stake.

2. Covenant Faithfulness: The psalmist acknowledges that the sins of the people have damaged the covenant relationship with God. The future and survival of the people depend on God’s merciful intervention and the restoration of the covenant. God’s faithfulness to His promises is in focus.

3. Testimony for God: The actions of the people have repercussions on God’s testimony and reputation in the world. Wrong behavior by believers can lead others to turn away from faith. Testifying for God is crucial, and wrongful actions can have spiritual consequences.

4. God’s Heritage and the End-Time Dimension: The people of Israel are considered God’s heritage, and there is an end-time dimension regarding the nations that will ultimately serve God. The threat against the people of Israel jeopardizes these divine promises and has far-reaching implications for God’s plan for the future.

5. Turning Away from God through Believers’ Behavior: The psalmist reflects on how the actions of people professing the name of God can cause others to turn away from faith. Wrong actions can affect spiritual testimony and the missionary mission.

The Psalms emphasize the close connection between the actions of the people, the covenant relationship with God, God’s character and honor, and testimony for God in the world. They remind us that the consequences of actions not only affect individual destiny but also influence the people’s relationship with God and the testimony of God’s power and faithfulness.

“The honor of the Father and the honor of Christ are involved in the perfection of His people’s character” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 655). How do you understand this important truth, and what should it mean in your life as a Christian?

The quoted statement, “The honor of the Father and the honor of Christ are involved in the perfection of His people’s character” (SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 7, p. 655), expresses a profound theological truth. Here are some aspects of understanding this statement and what it could mean for a Christian’s life:

1. Honor of the Father and Christ: The “honor of the Father” refers to the honor of God as the Father, and the “honor of Christ” refers to the honor due to Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Both honors are closely connected and depend on the perfection of the character of God’s people.

2. Perfection of Character: The perfection of character refers to the process of sanctification and spiritual maturity, where Christians increasingly conform to the image of Christ. This involves growing in holiness, love, righteousness, and faithfulness in the lives of believers.

3. Communion with God: The honor of God and Christ is revealed not only through ritual acts or external forms of piety but primarily through the inner transformation of character. The perfection of character reflects a deeper communion with God.

4. Testimony to God’s Work: As the character of believers becomes perfected, it becomes an effective testimony to God’s transformative power. Others can see the changes in the lives of believers and recognize the reality of their relationship with God.

5. Responsibility for God’s Honor: As Christians, we bear responsibility for the honor of God and Christ in the world. Our actions and character should reflect God’s honor and draw people to Christ.

For the life of a Christian, this truth means that the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the development of a Christ-like character are not only personal goals but also directly impact the honor of God and Christ. Every step toward the perfection of character is simultaneously a step toward honoring God and Christ in the world. It underscores the close connection between individual spiritual growth and the greater divine reality. Therefore, a Christian should strive to promote the honor of God and Christ through personal sanctification and the pursuit of a Christ-like character.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-5-singing-the-lords-song-in-a-strange-land-5-1-the-days-of-evil/