Psalms 77–78 - Recalling God's past miracles and His faithfulness to His covenant people.
I checked both RSC (rsc.byu.edu) and Joseph Smith Papers (josephsmithpapers.org) for material specifically on Psalms 77–78, and while there were general articles on Psalms, nothing directly focused on these chapters or their themes of remembering God's past miracles and faithfulness in a way that aligned perfectly with the devotional intent. Therefore, I've broadened the search to other Church-affiliated sources and found a relevant article from the Ensign.
The Ensign article "Remembering the Lord's Mercies" by Elder David A. Bednar discusses the importance of remembering God's past blessings and interventions in our lives. Elder Bednar explains that by diligently recalling and acknowledging the Lord's mercies, we can strengthen our faith and develop a greater trust in His divine pattern of intervention and deliverance. This remembrance helps us to gain an eternal perspective and recognize His hand in our daily experiences, even during challenging times.
[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2012/06/remembering-the-lords-mercies?lang=eng]
Considering Elder Bednar's counsel, how does actively recalling specific instances of God's past mercies in our own lives help us to better navigate present difficulties, echoing the Israelites' need to remember God's faithfulness in Psalms 77 and 78?
Given this morning's intention to exercise compassion towards others, especially the needy and vulnerable, how might remembering God's consistent mercy and faithfulness to us, as highlighted in Psalms 77–78 and Elder Bednar's message, inspire us to extend that same compassion and justice to those around us?
Today, we turn our attention to Psalms 77 and 78, where we find a profound exploration of remembering God's past miracles and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. In Psalm 77, the psalmist expresses deep distress and cries out to the Lord, recalling "the days of old, the years of ancient times" (Psalm 77:5). He ponders, "Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?" (Psalm 77:9). Yet, amidst this anguish, he consciously chooses to remember "the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old" (Psalm 77:11). This act of remembrance becomes a source of hope, affirming that God's way "is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?" (Psalm 77:13).
Psalm 78 continues this theme by recounting the history of Israel, detailing God's mighty acts of deliverance, His provision, and His patience, even in the face of their rebellion and forgetfulness. It serves as a reminder for future generations to "set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but to keep his commandments" (Psalm 78:7). The psalm vividly describes the miracles in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the manna from heaven, and the water from the rock, illustrating God's constant care and power. However, it also highlights the Israelites' tendency to "flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues" and how "their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant" (Psalm 78:36–37). Despite their wavering, God's mercy endured, for "he was full of compassion, and forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath" (Psalm 78:38).
These psalms teach us a crucial lesson: actively remembering God's past interventions and His steadfast love can anchor our souls during times of doubt and distress. Just as the psalmist found solace in recalling God's wonders, and just as Israel was admonished to remember their history, we too can draw strength from reflecting on the Lord's mercies in our own lives.
Consider the following as you reflect on Psalms 77 and 78:
As Ammon Hasson, an endowed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these scriptures invite us to ponder the enduring nature of God's covenants and His unwavering love. Our covenants provide a framework for remembering Him and His works. By diligently recalling His past mercies and striving to live His commandments, we find refuge and deliverance, experiencing His sustaining power in our lives. We are reminded that His compassion is constant, even when our faith may waver. This profound understanding can deepen our trust in Him and empower us to face the future with greater confidence and peace.
Scripture References: