Even When

June 9–Psalm 79-83

“Sing for joy to God our strength; shout joyfully to the God of Jacob”(81:1).

Asaph had a difficult assignment. He was a worship leader in Israel in the days after Jerusalem was conquered and destroyed. See Psalm 79. It was a time of great grief.

Knowing this, are you amazed that Asaph calls the people to joyful song? What?! How could anyone possibly expect them to shout joyfully in the midst of such disappointment and loss? How insensitive and tone-deaf!

Without apology, Scripture teaches us “REJOICE IN THE LORD”. True joy does not rise from ease or success or personal safety. It does not rise from material or emotional circumstance. Ours is a confidence fueled by an insight into Spiritual truth, Spiritual reality. God is good. God is glorious. Note Asaph’s confidence that “even now” if Israel repented, God would rescue them (v 13-14). His eyes are focused on the infinite possibilities of the Spirit! Can these bones live? Yes! Yes, they can!

Recently, during a particularly hard time, my wife Holly heard a song that filled her heart with hope. “Even when it feels like my world is shaken, even when I’ve had all that I can take, I know, You’ll never let me go. Even when the waters won’t stop rising, even when I’m caught in dead of night, I know, no matter how it feels, You’re with me even then”(Micah Tyler).

When Holly hears this song, she often dances. The trouble is that she wants me to dance with her! Scriptural duty, I think. Asaph would want me to dance, too!

As you read Psalm 81 today, will you reflect on a God who is eternally and essentially good? “I know the plans I have for you,” whispers the Great One. Even when disaster comes, He has infinite possibilities for blessing you. Even when our lives and hopes collapse, He calls us to faithful, joyful praise. It is our statement of faith, even when. . .

“Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you will respond to life” (Wess Stafford).

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you” (Philippians 3:1).