Turning to God

God’s people had been taunted and mocked. Then, when they called to God, nothing seemed to change. So Asaph, the writer of this psalm, blamed God for their problems. But eventually he realized that God was their only hope. With this realization, he continued to cry out to Him.

He realized that previous generations had made mistakes, but he asked God not to remember these past iniquities. He admitted that they were “brought very low.” In humility, Asaph asked that His compassion would come “speedily to meet us” (v. 8).

It’s easy to blame God for our problems. But as Asaph discovered, the truth is that we can hope in Him even when it seems He is not acting. Asaph prayed that God would act in ways that would be visible to everyone, that He would hear the groans of His people and act according to His great power, and that He would “return sevenfold into the lap of our neighbors the taunts with which they have taunted you, O Lord” (v. 12).

Asaph knew that God’s people depended on Him. They might have made mistakes, but as they humbled themselves, they could call on Him. They were the sheep of His pasture and would thank Him forever: “From generation to generation we will recount your praise” (v. 13).

Whatever problems you face, don’t give up hope. Turn to God. Commit your needs to Him. Trust in Him.