Asaph Writes for A Friend

Of all the Psalm writers, I seem to connect the most with Asaph, one of the worship leaders appointed by David. Where David was a king, and led as a king, Asaph was a musician and a "church guy". Almost everything he wrote was either for, or on behalf of the people of God.

That's why Psalm 77 stands out. It just doesn't sound like an Asaph Psalm. Then one day I noticed at the very top of the Psalm an inscription that said "For Jeduthan". Jeduthan (sometimes called Ethan) was Asaph's friend and co-worker. I think Psalm 77 was written for Jeduthan at a time when he was doing it tough, and was struggling to find words to express what he was dealing with. After all, as a worshiper he didn't want to insult God, but his soul was in trouble.

Asaph simply stepped in, and said the words for him.

"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."

Isn't it great when you discover that you are not alone in your struggle, that friends get it and are right there with you? But being a great friend, Asaph did just stop there. He went on to remind Jeduthan that God has always been faithful, and He is incapable of changing.

"I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; I remembered my songs in the night."

and

"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. 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 (just think about that)
The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.
Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen."

God can't fail you. It would be easier for you to return the rain to a storm, or make the sea stand still like glass. And His unseen footprints wind their way through all the affairs of your life.

God doesn't change, even when circumstances do. He will rescue you and in the end, every circumstance will bow down to the Lord of all and submit to His grace and power. It's not over yet, but it will be one day soon.