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God has given us the ability to decide our attitude. Some choose frustration and others hope.
Scripture teaches that we all encounter trials and blessings. Our attitude is selected. We choose either anger or faith when considering our past circumstances.
Some choose joy while others get mad.
Psalm 77 teaches the right attitude:
But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works (Psalm 77:11-12).
Remembering what God has done in the past is the key to grateful living today. We can’t make our present better (the past is fixed) and we don’t determine the future (it’s beyond our control).
But God has healed our past with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and because of this historical fact – as the Psalmist says, “I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago” – your hope of eternity is secure.
Our past is forgiven, with a future of all things working for the good, and our present suffering is not worthy to compare with our future glory (Romans 8:18, 28).
This is the correct Biblical attitude.
The first section of Psalm 77 describes a bad attitude:
- God, will you listen to me (v. 1)!
- I searched for God and was not comforted (v. 2).
- I complain to God and ask why He hasn’t helped (v. 3).
- I can’t sleep and I can’t pray (v. 4).
- I long for when things were better in the past (v. 6).
- God has rejected me and doesn’t love me (vv. 7-8).
- God has forgotten me (v. 9).
Does this sound like you? Have you heard others repeat statements similar to what Psalm 77 says about frustration with God?
Remember verses 11 and 12:
But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.
Now add verses 13 and 14 to your thoughts:
O God, your ways are holy. Is there any god as mighty as you? You are the God of great wonders! You demonstrate your awesome power among the nations.
Psalm 77 contrasts two attitudes – the bad and the good.
Verses 1 to 11 = bad!
Verses 12 to 20 = good!
The Psalmist understands we experience trouble and that sometimes God seems distant.
Psalm 77 instructs us to remember God’s works. Correctly analyzing what God has done throughout history gives us the perspective to overcome present doubts.
A good or a bad attitude – you decide!
By your strong arm, you redeem your people (v. 15)!