Life often brings moments of deep anguish, when our hearts feel heavy and hope seems distant. I’ve certainly experienced seasons where the weight of doubt and discouragement felt overwhelming. In those times, it’s easy to lose sight of everything good. But just like the psalmist, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful steps toward healing and renewed faith is remembering God’s wonders. It’s an intentional act, a spiritual discipline that invites us to look back at His faithfulness, even when our present circumstances feel uncertain. This journey through Psalm 77:10-15 has offered profound insight into how we can anchor our hope in God’s unchanging nature and cultivate a genuine connection with God, no matter what we face.

Appealing to God’s Past Faithfulness: His Right Hand at Work

Psalm 77:10 says, “Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.'” This verse calls us to deliberately recall God’s interventions, His powerful presence, and His consistent care throughout history, and in our own lives. It’s not about reminding God of what He owes us, but about reminding ourselves of who He is – a faithful God who has demonstrated His love repeatedly.

I can vividly recall times when I didn’t even realize God was at work, only to look back later and see His clear hand. For instance, as a child, after a difficult and confusing period, I found myself struggling to adapt to a new country and a new language. I felt shut down, picked on, and deeply out of place. In the midst of that turmoil, music unexpectedly entered my life through school classes. I knew my parents wouldn’t approve, yet something stirred within me, and I signed up anyway.

Looking back, I now see that this was truly God’s right hand at work, giving me a place to belong, a creative outlet that carried me through those challenging years. This pattern repeated itself later in my life. During a profoundly dark and difficult season, when my marriage exploded and I felt completely underwater, a new church emerged, and with it, music once again found its way back into my life, this time through playing the bass and singing in the choir. These experiences serve as powerful reminders of His active presence and unwavering power, providing encouragement and proving that He is deeply involved in my life.

Intentionally Remembering God’s Wonders and Deeds

Verse 11 continues, “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.” The psalmist emphasizes remembering not just once, but deeply, intentionally. This active remembering God’s wonders is a spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith and builds trust. It’s about purposefully calling to mind specific moments when God showed up for us, whether in grand gestures or quiet, personal ways.

Just recently, I was wrestling with intense desires for intimacy and affection with my wife, longing for connection and touch. I prayed for it, yearning for freedom and physical closeness. And in an unexpected, beautiful way, my prayer was answered. She came and sat next to me on the couch, hugging me, and later, resting her feet on my lap, allowing me to simply touch her legs.

This seemingly small moment was a profound gift, a clear sign that God had heard and responded, showing up in a big way. These are the kinds of instances, large and small, that shape my trust in Him. There have also been times of severe financial strain, when bills seemed impossible to meet, yet somehow, He has provided, enabling me to work and help my family. He consistently shows up.

Pondering His Mighty Deeds and Character

The passage goes deeper in verse 12, urging us to “ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” Meditation isn’t just recalling; it’s slowing down, allowing truth to settle deep within our hearts. As I reflect on God’s character, I find myself particularly drawn to His mercy. I often feel like I’ve failed so much that I could never receive what I deserve, making His mercy my constant reliance for accepting His grace. His patience is also something I continually need.

Furthermore, my understanding of His power is growing. It’s not the overbearing, intrusive force I might have once imagined; instead, it’s a sovereign, active presence that works in subtle yet profound ways. I’ve seen Him at work in the lives of those around me, subtly orchestrating circumstances and bringing about transformation. These experiences, like witnessing someone I care about facing a brutal lesson and then humbling themselves, confirm His power and presence in a deeply personal way. These moments of remembering God’s wonders strengthen my faith and willingness to step out of my comfort zone.

Embracing God’s Holy Way, Even When it’s Hard to Understand

Psalm 77:13 declares, “Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” God’s ways are set apart from ours, often beyond our full comprehension, yet they are always ultimate and good. Embracing His “holy way” means trusting Him completely, even when His path doesn’t make logical sense from our perspective.

This is perhaps one of the hardest aspects of living by faith. There are areas in my life where I genuinely struggle to trust His way, particularly when it challenges my deepest desires or ingrained habits. For instance, the thought that God might ask me to give up something as fundamental as sexual intimacy is incredibly difficult to process, especially given my past struggles and my current marital situation. It feels like an impossible request for my human strength. Yet, I’m learning that if He asks it, He will provide the means and the strength, and it will ultimately be for my highest good.

Surrendering to His will, even in these deeply personal areas, means trusting that His wisdom far surpasses my own, and His plans are always perfect. It’s about aligning my will with His desires, letting go of my own self-centeredness and inclinations. This continual process of remembering God’s wonders helps me navigate these difficult questions.

The God Who Works Wonders and Redeems

The psalmist concludes in verses 14 and 15 by affirming, “You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. You with your arm redeemed your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph.” This is the core of our hope: God is not just powerful; He is personal and redemptive. He is the ultimate designer, creative and mighty, sustaining all things with His arm.

My hope is for the redemption of painful chapters in my own life – from the deep wounds of sexual abuse and the challenges in my marriage, to the significant financial debt I’ve accumulated. I believe He is actively working through these processes, bringing emotional healing and turning around what once felt broken. He is the source of all good, love, and light, constantly inviting us into beneficial and worthy things. My prayer is that He continues to lead me into a redeemed life, where these past burdens are transformed into testimonies of His amazing work and enduring love.

Action Step: Take a moment to think of one or two specific times when you have seen God’s “right hand” at work in your life. Write them down and reflect on how those experiences remind you of His power and presence today. How can intentionally remembering God’s wonders strengthen your trust in Him for your current circumstances?

Embracing Hope Through Remembering God’s Wonders

As I reflect on Psalm 77:10-15, I’m reminded that even in our deepest anguish, the call to remembering God’s wonders is a powerful pathway to renewed faith. It’s a genuine invitation to anchor ourselves not in fleeting feelings or overwhelming circumstances, but in the unwavering character of a God who works marvels and redeems our most painful chapters. It’s a vulnerable act to lay bare our struggles, but in doing so, we create space for His past faithfulness to fuel our present trust, transforming our doubts into deeper connection and His holy, often mysterious, way into our ultimate good.

I truly believe that as we continue to lean into Him, intentionally recalling His mighty deeds, we’ll not only find strength for today but also witness continued spiritual growth in our lives. If you’re wrestling with your own challenges and seeking more of His presence, I encourage you to explore insights on How to Find Overflowing Hope when life feels heavy, discover practical steps on How to Transform Your Struggle into Strength, and learn more about Embracing Neediness: How to Journey Into God’s Presence as you walk closer with Him.

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