"I will call to mind the deeds of the Lord; I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate on all your work, and muse on your mighty deeds" (vs. 11-12).
The Psalmist, Asaph, is in the throes of a deep spiritual struggle. Things are not going well. He cannot sleep (vs. 2 and 4). His restless mind is filled with questions about God's providence (vs. 7-9). God has seemed to abandon His people and His promises. And Asaph is left wondering if God will ever be gracious again.
What should we do when such doubts and fears strike us in the middle of the night? (For they certainly will someday if they haven't already.) Where can we turn for hope and encouragement? Just as the experience of Asaph gives us an example we can relate to when times are tough, so, too, does his response show us a positive approach we can take when it is us tossing and turning on our bed.
Asaph turns to the history of God working in the lives of His people (vs. 11-12). The turning point of this Psalm (and of Asaph's mood) is verse 13: "Your way, O God, is holy. What god is so great as our God?" Reflecting on God's holiness and greatness, the Psalmist recalls the Exodus account (vs. 14-20) and in it finds inspiration for the darkness he is currently facing.
We can do the same! The Bible provides a record of God's saving acts in history. Not only the account of the Exodus (which provided such comfort and relief to the ancient Israelites) but also so much more that followed! The establishment of the nation of Israel, the kingship of David, the construction of the Temple, the ministry of the prophets, the promises (fulfilled) of the Messiah, the works of Jesus, the wonders of the Holy Spirit...all of these can whisper hope to our soul in the day of our trial. It is one of the powerful reasons why we can be blessed by studying the Bible!
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