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We live on through this deepening crisis. Where is God in all this? What are we, as individuals, supposed to do? Many are hurting – shrouded in fog, and unable to see the future. We are in unexplored uncharted territory. Israel, at the Red Sea, had never previously been down that road. All the people could see facing them from the shores of the Red Sea was trouble – water stopping their path, and the chasing Egyptians. It looked bleak and hopeless – a dead end – but God knew there was a way out.

How do we pray when we do not know how to pray?

It can be hard to get through one more day – when we face a serious dilemma – when a child is ill – when all our work is threatened by something or someone. At such a time deep intercessory prayer can disappear.

When you are in a miry pit, your horizon is restricted – and thinking in broad evangelistic terms is limited.

1 - Asaph cried out to God. Turn to Psalm 77. He seemed to be experiencing what many experience. His back was against the wall.

CRY is the same word used as when people were attacked in time of war.

“God, are you listening to me?” Asaph is in distress.

Jesus cried out on the cross – “Why?” Where are You in all this?

Jesus knows what it feels like to pray to God when it seems He is not there.

Verses 1,2 - “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted.”

“He will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.”

Psalm 72 verse 12 is helpful, although from a different situation – and in Psalm 34 verse 4 - “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”

There is an answer for those who seek the Lord – for those who made an earnest search for God.

Verse 2 – At night I stretched out untiring hands – like a little child needing to be picked up. Food – TV – ‘going out’ – cannot satisfy. Something other is needed for relief.

Asaph admitted his feelings and his fears – he did not put on a happy face, kidding on that all was well.

Verse 3 - “I remembered you, O God, and I groaned . . ” “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”

Romans 8 verse 26. God knows what our wordless prayers are saying!

Psalm 77 verse 3 This man of God was feeling drained. It was as though the air was being squeezed out of him.

Asaph is praying but he does not seem to have a specific prayer.

“This darkness you are in is a fold in My cloak!”

Verse 4 - “You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.”

God kept him awake. God was keeping him for some reason – for some purpose.

Verses 5 to 9 - “I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: ‘Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favour again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? Selah’”

He recalled the ‘good old days’ and he wondered if that was it all over.

Selah – pause – stop and think about it. What has God done for you in the past – getting you out of a tight spot – rescuing you whatever the situation was? God was faithful to Asaph. God remains faithful.

Asaph appealed to God’s faithfulness -

Verses 10 to 12 - “Then I thought, ‘To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.’”

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things . . . And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4 verses 8,9

Asaph begins to worship – and complaints turn to praise

Verses 13 to 15 - “Your ways, O God, are holy. What God is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.” Pause again.

Habakkuk understood such times - “Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!” Habakkuk 3 verses 17and18

Asaph was determined to follow God fearlessly – into the unknown.

Verse 20 - “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.”

This Psalm is all about an individual wrestling with the situation he was in – battling with circumstances.

We face serious obstacles. There will be much suffering – but we go through it. We have never faced any trial or hardship or obstacle like this one.

But – You led your people like a flock!

And – we do not always see His Footprints.

Isaiah 43 verses 2,3 - “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.” When – not if.

“Loving Father we remember and pray for those who are in particularly difficult and arduous situations – those who are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ – and we pray for those organisations that reach out and minister to their needs. Hear the prayers of all who cry out to You – in Jesus name.” Amen.

"The Way" from Kevin Pauley

The First Sin