Read Psalms 72-77
Highlights:
Mighty King David prays his last prayer (Ps. 72:20) — for the one put in charge of God's people; a lesson from Asaph; in his trouble he begins to remember who is so great a God as our God?
And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High. I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember Thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all Thy work, and talk of Thy doings (Ps. 77:10-12).
There may be times in life that we face all manner of struggles. The psalmist here was facing a struggle of some physical nature. From what is said in verse two, it appears he is suffering from a skin condition The condition is so bad that he cannot rest, and he receives little comfort from the pain.
This must have been very difficult to deal with. There are not many ailments that come to mind today that would cause that much suffering. One of the few things would possibly be cancer or a similar disease.
The psalmist sets a great example for any of us that might be going through any type of difficult situation. He thinks back on the way the Lord has moved in times past. He begins to recall the marvellous works that the Lord has done. The workings of God were not a new thing; they had been manifested for many years. God had been moving on the hearts of men for a long time. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (2 Pet. 1:21).
It would seem the psalmist was in touch with a powerful gospel truth. If God did it then, He will do it now. If God delivered men out of the hands of bondage in times past, then He will do it in times present and in times future. If God has healed individuals before, He will heal individuals again. Why is all this for sure a truth? The answer is that the Word of God says it. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever (Heb. 13:8).
The psalmist concludes his thought in Scripture by saying that he is going to think on the things of God. Again, this is simply following what the Word of God already tells us to do. That is to concentrate on the positives that God has done, is doing and will do. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Phil. 4:8).
The psalmist closes these verses not only by thinking about the good things of God, He also feels the responsibility to share them. We too during our times of struggle should follow this lead. Think on the things of God and speak of them as well.
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee (Mark 5:19).
Thought for Today:
Never give up. God says, Pray without ceasing.
Christ Revealed:
As the Righteous Judge who will crush the oppressor (Ps. 72:2-4). Psalm 75:8 describes the judgment of God upon those who refuse to accept the salvation so freely offered by Jesus, the Lamb of God (John 1:29, John 34-36; comp. 2 Thess. 1:8-9).
Word Studies:
73:4 bands, pain; 73:21 pricked in my reins, emotionally disturbed; 74:2 the rod, the tribe; 74:4 set up their ensigns for signs, replace the symbols of God with their own symbols; 75:5 speak not with a stiff neck, defy not God with an insolent attitude.
Prayer Suggestion: Let your faith in the Word of God overrule all fears (Ps. 18:30).
Optional Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1
Memory Verse for the Week: Galatians 6:7
