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What a Night!

Psalm 77, God's character, God's footprints through the sea
He was so distressed he couldn't sleep. 

Looking through his bedroom window we'd have seen him groaning, tears running down his face, too grieved to speak, his arms outstretched for hours. He was so low he felt God had rejected him. 

Then he took his thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:5) by reminding himself:

1. God is Holy and Great (Psalm 77:13).
2. He's miraculous and powerful (14).
3. He redeems men and women (15).
4. He's in control of nature and everything else (16-18).
5. He guides His people visibly and invisibly (19-20). 

Pondering God's character is a good way to get our minds back on track when we're distressed. And the last point is so important: God's solutions may surprise us: 

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. Psalm 77:19-20 

For the whole story of Asaph's stressful night and wise solution, see Psalm 77.

Bible Study 

The Psalms are a wonderful place to spend time when we're distressed. 

The Psalmists honestly express their sorrow, confusion, grief, and rejection and find strength, hope and peace in God alone. 

Note the various elements of true peace that God gives: 

John 14:27: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. 

John 16:33: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding [exceeding anything we can understand] , will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

For additional insights on this subject, read "When Nothing Comforts"  and "God's Unseen Footprints"  and "5 Ways to Deal With Discouragement"

copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com 
All Scripture NIV unless otherwise noted

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