"But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise." (Psalm 79:13)
O Lord, Psalm 79 records another painful day in the life of the Israelites. Their capital city had been destroyed (v. 1), their friends and family members had been killed (v. 2-3), and their neighbors mocked them (v. 3), saying: "Where is your God?" (v. 10). The question is so painful, because when we face hardship after hardship, we're prone to ask the same thing: "Where are you, God?"
In the midst of the Israelites' pain, Asaph teaches them to ask a more hopeful question: "How long, O LORD?" (v. 5). This question still allows them to express their pain, their desire for relief, but also expresses a belief that that relief will eventually come. God will indeed come to their aid one day; and he will come to our aid as well.
In verse 13, Asaph reaffirms his faith in God's provision. It is a fitting affirmation given Pastor Erich's sermon yesterday on Jesus being our good shepherd. We are God's sheep, and he is our shepherd. He will lead us and guide us, protect and provide for us, and care for us forever. Even as we ask "How long?" in our hardest days, let us continue to offer him our praise, knowing that he will provide for us in his timing. In Jesus' name, amen.
