Psalm 77 was written by Asaph. He was a Levite singer that King David appointed as his chief musician. He also served under King Solomon’s rule. Asaph was well acquainted with the joy of praising the Lord. Psalms 73-83 were written by him.
Yet there was a time in his life where his thoughts spiraled down into a negative vortex of despair. He cried out to the Lord. Psalm 77:3-4 says, “When I remember God, I moan; when I meditate, my spirit faints.” Selah. “You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.”
Then he recalled who the Lord is at all times. Through the two intentional words of ‘I will’, he corrected the course of his negativity and despair.
What a great lesson for us! The enemy of our soul is always seeking ways to ensnare us through destructive thoughts. We need to be alert when he sends them into our minds as suggestions to ponder.
The Holy Spirit has taught me an essential lesson that I want to share with you. The moment that I have a thought against myself, others, or my circumstances, I know that I must correct my course. I intentionally make my next thought one of praise.
Like Asaph, we also must recall who the Lord is. We use the negative thought as a springboard to praise that honors and glorifies the Lord. Words like, “I will praise you because you are always merciful, forgiving, kind, tenderhearted, and present in my life”, can be the rudder that steers our thoughts in the right direction.
O Lord, how precious are your thoughts towards me. I stand amazed at your love that never changes. It is constant and cannot be taken from me. Your truth is eternal. I am so grateful that you brought me into intimate communion with you. May my life always reflect your character to others.
Throughout this day: Sing along with worship songs that focus on recalling who God is and praising him. Some possibilities: Ah, Lord God, by Don Moen, or this one, based on the traditional hymn Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
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