Daily EncouragementSample

The man who asked these questions was in dire straits. We cannot possibly know his exact circumstances. He seems to have been in a situation where persistent prayer brought no answer to his deep distress. He had come to the place where the thought of God brought no relief but rather added to his trial: “I remembered you, O God, and I groaned” (Ps. 77:3).

But this man in this predicament asked these and similar questions, and that tells us something about him. A man who knows nothing about the love of God and his precious promises could never ask such questions as these. “Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34), and in listening to these agonized questionings we are hearing the voice of a godly man.

This is confirmed by the fact that he answers his own questions. He remembers what God has done in the past: “your miracles of long ago . . . your mighty deeds” (Ps. 77:11-12). In particular he remembers the great redemption out of Egypt: “with your mighty arm you redeemed your people” (Ps. 77:15). And as he remembers he is strengthened.

Strange as it may seem, God permits his chosen servants to pass through such experiences. They should not be afraid to ask such questions in his presence.