Invisible footprints
You probably know the old hymn by Ernst Gebhardt: "What a friend our Jesus is." The second verse reads: "When the enemy's power threatens us and many storms blow around us, we need not fear if we stand faithfully in prayer. Then Jesus' faithfulness is revealed, as he stands by us as a mighty savior who answers earnest prayer."
Bringing our problems to God in prayer is a tried-and-true recipe in Christian circles. Unfortunately, sometimes it is not enough to stabilize us; we need a new perspective on prayer. This is precisely what Psalm 77 shows, in which the singer Asaph experiences great distress. He pours out his heart to God, but this time finds no comfort: "I cry to God and cry; I cry to God, and he answers me. In the time of my trouble I seek the Lord; my hand is stretched out by night and is not weakened; for my soul refuses to be comforted. I remember God and am afflicted; I ponder and my spirit is faint" (Psalm 7:10).7,2-4).
Asaph then asks the questions that torment us when we are at the end of our strength: “Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he shut up his compassion in anger?” (Psalm 77,10).
The psalmist suspects that he himself may have done something that turned God's heart away, or that God has changed. Then he makes a decisive decision, one that is just as important as prayer itself. He looks back, seeking evidence of God's faithfulness, and remembers the rescue of Israel at the Red Sea: "Your way went through the sea, and your path through many waters; yet no one could see your footsteps. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron" (Psalm 7:10).7,20-21).
Asaph remembers the situation when the Israelites fled from the Egyptians. The Egyptian army pressed behind them, the sea towered before them—no escape in sight. Then God opened the waters and answered their cry for help, even though his footprints remained invisible. Often, God chooses a completely different solution than we expect. Have you experienced this yourself? Like Asaph, we can trust that God's answer will be the best for everyone involved. Therefore, it is good advice to bring our concerns to God in prayer. At the same time, it helps to keep alive stories of his faithfulness: "He will also establish you until the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. For God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord."1. Corinthians 1,8-9).
When we encounter trials and temptations, we can consciously reflect on God's past provision in our lives and in the lives of others. His proven faithfulness gives hope that he remains faithful now as well: "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10,23Rest secure in God's faithfulness today. Even if you can't recognize his footprints in your current situation, God will carry you safely through it—just as he did then.
by Heber Ticas
More articles on this topic:
