Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Is His loving devotion gone forever?The phrase "Is His loving devotion" refers to the Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed), which is often translated as "lovingkindness," "mercy," or "steadfast love." This word is rich in meaning, encapsulating God's covenantal love and faithfulness towards His people. In the context of the Old Testament, chesed is a central attribute of God, reflecting His unwavering commitment to His covenant promises. Historically, the Israelites experienced God's chesed through His deliverance, provision, and guidance. This rhetorical question reflects a moment of deep despair, where the psalmist is questioning whether God's covenantal love has ceased, a thought that would have been deeply troubling given the historical reliance on God's faithfulness. gone forever?
The phrase "gone forever" captures the Hebrew word "גָּמַר" (gamar), which means to come to an end or be completed. The psalmist is expressing a fear that God's loving devotion has reached its conclusion, a fear that resonates with anyone who has felt abandoned or forgotten. In the historical context of Israel, such a sentiment might arise during times of national crisis or personal suffering, when God's presence seemed distant. However, the psalmist's question is rhetorical, inviting the reader to reflect on the impossibility of God's eternal attributes coming to an end. Theologically, this phrase challenges believers to trust in the eternal nature of God's love, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Does His promise fail for all time?
The word "promise" in Hebrew is "אֵמֶר" (emer), which can also mean "word" or "speech." It signifies God's declarations and commitments, particularly those made in His covenants with Israel. The psalmist is grappling with the fear that God's promises, which have been a source of hope and assurance, might fail. Historically, God's promises were seen as unbreakable, as they were rooted in His unchanging character. The phrase "for all time" emphasizes the eternal nature of these promises, suggesting that any perceived failure would have catastrophic implications for the believer's faith. This question serves as a poignant reminder of the tension between human perception and divine reality, encouraging believers to hold fast to the truth of God's unfailing word, even in moments of doubt. Persons / Places / Events 1. AsaphThe author of Psalm 77, Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David's court. He is known for his deep and often introspective psalms that explore themes of divine justice and human suffering. 2. IsraelThe nation of Israel is often the backdrop for the Psalms, reflecting the collective experiences, struggles, and faith of God's chosen people. 3. God's CovenantThe psalm reflects on the covenant relationship between God and Israel, highlighting themes of divine faithfulness and human doubt. Teaching Points Understanding Doubt in FaithEven the faithful experience moments of doubt and questioning. This is a natural part of a deepening relationship with God. God's Unchanging NatureDespite our feelings, God's loving devotion and promises are eternal. His nature does not change with our circumstances. Reflecting on Past FaithfulnessIn times of doubt, recalling God's past faithfulness can strengthen our trust and hope in His promises. The Role of Lament in Spiritual GrowthLament is a powerful tool for spiritual growth, allowing us to express our deepest fears and doubts while seeking God's presence and reassurance. Encouragement in CommunitySharing our struggles and doubts within a faith community can provide support and remind us of God's promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Asaph's questioning in Psalm 77:8 reflect your own experiences of doubt or uncertainty in your faith journey? 2. In what ways can recalling God's past faithfulness help you trust in His promises today? Can you think of specific instances in your life? 3. How do other scriptures, such as Lamentations 3 or Isaiah 40, reinforce the message of God's enduring faithfulness found in Psalm 77:8? 4. What role does lament play in your spiritual life, and how can it help you grow closer to God during difficult times? 5. How can you support others in your faith community who may be experiencing doubt or questioning God's promises? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? Connections to Other Scriptures Lamentations 3This chapter echoes the themes of questioning God's faithfulness amidst suffering, yet ultimately affirms His steadfast love and mercy. Isaiah 40This passage reassures believers of God's enduring promises and strength, countering doubts about His faithfulness. Hebrews 10This New Testament passage encourages believers to hold fast to the hope in God's promises, emphasizing His faithfulness. People Aaron, Asaph, Jacob, Jeduthun, Joseph, PsalmistPlaces JerusalemTopics Ceased, Clean, Evermore, Fail, Failed, Forever, Generation, Generations, Kindness, Love, Loving, Lovingkindness, Loving-kindness, Mercy, Nothing, Promise, Promises, Quite, Saying, Steadfast, Vanished, WhollyDictionary of Bible Themes Psalm 77:1-9 5567 suffering, emotional Psalm 77:7-9 5265 complaints
8615 prayer, doubts Psalm 77:7-12 6233 rejection, experience Psalm 77:8-9 1030 God, compassion Library June the Eleventh the Path Across the Sea
"Thy way is in the sea." --PSALM lxxvii. 11-20. And the sea appears to be the most trackless of worlds! The sea is the very symbol of mystery, the grim dwelling-house of innumerable things that have been lost. But God's way moves here and there across this trackless wild. God is never lost among our mysteries. He knows his way about. When we are bewildered He sees the road, and He sees the end even from the beginning. Even the sea, in every part of it, is the Lord's highway. When His way is in …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearA Question for a Questioner
The question which makes our text is meant to end other questions. You may carry truth as far as ever you like, and it will always be truth. Truth is like those crystals which, when split up into the smallest possible fragments, still retain their natural form. You may break truth in pieces, you may do what you like with it, and it is truth throughout; but error is diverse within itself, and evermore bears its own death within itself. You can see its falsehood even in its own light. Bring it forward, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 31: 1885 Ere Another Step I Take
"I commune with mine own heart." -- Psalm 77:6. Ere another step I take In my wilful wandering way, Still I have a choice to make -- Shall I alter while I may? Patient love is waiting still In my Savior's heart for me; Love to bend my froward will, Love to make me really free. Far from Him, what can I gain? Want and shame, and bondage vile -- Better far to bear the pain Of His yoke a little while. Soon I might its comfort find; Soon my thankful heart might cry, "In Thy meek obedient mind, As …
Miss A. L. Waring—Hymns and Meditations Despondency Self-Corrected. --Ps. Lxxvii.
Despondency Self-Corrected.--Ps. lxxvii. In time of tribulation, Hear, Lord, my feeble cries, With humble supplication To Thee my spirit flies: My heart with grief is breaking, Scarce can my voice complain; Mine eyes, with tears kept waking, Still watch and weep in vain. The days of old, in vision, Bring vanish'd bliss to view; The years of lost fruition Their joys in pangs renew; Remember'd songs of gladness, Through night's lone silence brought, Strike notes of deeper sadness, And stir desponding …
James Montgomery—Sacred Poems and Hymns A Path in the Sea
'And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20. And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 21. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture How the Whole and the Sick are to be Admonished.
(Admonition 13.) Differently to be admonished are the whole and the sick. For the whole are to be admonished that they employ the health of the body to the health of the soul: lest, if they turn the grace of granted soundness to the use of iniquity, they be made worse by the gift, and afterwards merit the severer punishments, in that they fear not now to use amiss the more bountiful gifts of God. The whole are to be admonished that they despise not the opportunity of winning health for ever. …
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great Letter iii (A. D. 1131) to Bruno, Archbishop Elect of Cologne
To Bruno, [8] Archbishop Elect of Cologne Bernard having been consulted by Bruno as to whether he ought to accept the See of Cologne, so replies as to hold him in suspense, and render him in awe of the burden of so great a charge. He advises him to seek counsel of God in prayer. 1. You seek counsel from me, most illustrious Bruno, as to whether you ought to accept the Episcopate, to which it is desired to advance you. What mortal can presume to decide this for you? If God calls you, who can dare …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Letter Xlii to the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey De Perrone, and his Comrades.
To the Illustrious Youth, Geoffrey de Perrone, and His Comrades. He pronounces the youths noble because they purpose to lead the religious life, and exhorts them to perseverance. To his beloved sons, Geoffrey and his companions, Bernard, called Abbot of Clairvaux, wishes the spirit of counsel and strength. 1. The news of your conversion that has got abroad is edifying many, nay, is making glad the whole Church of God, so that The heavens rejoice and the earth is glad (Ps. xcvi. 11), and every tongue …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments Covenant Duties.
It is here proposed to show, that every incumbent duty ought, in suitable circumstances, to be engaged to in the exercise of Covenanting. The law and covenant of God are co-extensive; and what is enjoined in the one is confirmed in the other. The proposals of that Covenant include its promises and its duties. The former are made and fulfilled by its glorious Originator; the latter are enjoined and obligatory on man. The duties of that Covenant are God's law; and the demands of the law are all made …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting The Early Life of Malachy. Having Been Admitted to Holy Orders He Associates with Malchus
[Sidenote: 1095.] 1. Our Malachy, born in Ireland,[134] of a barbarous people, was brought up there, and there received his education. But from the barbarism of his birth he contracted no taint, any more than the fishes of the sea from their native salt. But how delightful to reflect, that uncultured barbarism should have produced for us so worthy[135] a fellow-citizen with the saints and member of the household of God.[136] He who brings honey out of the rock and oil out of the flinty rock[137] …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
1. A brief recapitulation of the leading points of the whole discussion. The scope of this chapter. The necessity of the doctrine of faith. This doctrine obscured by the Schoolmen, who make God the object of faith, without referring to Christ. The Schoolmen refuted by various passages. 2. The dogma of implicit faith refuted. It destroys faith, which consists in a knowledge of the divine will. What this will is, and how necessary the knowledge of it. 3. Many things are and will continue to be implicitly …
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion Psalms
The piety of the Old Testament Church is reflected with more clearness and variety in the Psalter than in any other book of the Old Testament. It constitutes the response of the Church to the divine demands of prophecy, and, in a less degree, of law; or, rather, it expresses those emotions and aspirations of the universal heart which lie deeper than any formal demand. It is the speech of the soul face to face with God. Its words are as simple and unaffected as human words can be, for it is the genius …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Psalm 77:8 NIVPsalm 77:8 NLTPsalm 77:8 ESVPsalm 77:8 NASBPsalm 77:8 KJV
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