April 2
________________________________________
PSALM 77 I CRY ALOUD TO GOD
I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me.
2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;
in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;
my soul refuses to be comforted.3 When I remember God, I moan;
when I meditate, my spirit faints. Selah 4 You hold my eyelids open;
I am so troubled that I cannot speak.5 I consider the days of old,
the years long ago.6 I said, “Let me remember my song in the night;
let me meditate in my heart.” Then my spirit made a diligent search:
7 “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable?
8 Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” Selah
10 Then I said, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
– Psalm 77:1-10
________________________________________
IN TROUBLE I SEEK THE LORD by ILMA
I come to the Lord as trouble comes my way
So much tears have trickled down my eyes these days
At night, I find myself examining my heart and my mind
What have I done? What made me lose God’s truth and insight?
I am so troubled that “lies” continue to fill my heart and mind
Bring to my memory all the promises you have vowed to grant
Lord, I cry out to you; make me humble to confess and repent
I do not want to live in darkness, lead me back to your light instead
Remind me of your promises and the things you’ve done for your people
Do not forfeit your steadfast love to me or I will never be able to make it
Lord, be gracious to a sinner like me and make me follow your ways
I ask your forgiveness for all the sins I have committed against your will
Let all my troubles lead me closer to seek and depend on your Holy Spirit
Show me that suffering draws me nearer you and brings out humility in me.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How does trouble and suffering bring us to our knees to seek God?
• Why do you think God allows his people to suffer?