Book III
While Book III contains threads of hope, it is often labeled as the “dark” book of the Psalter because of its focus on lament.
During these last few months, the news at all levels—global, national, and local—has been hard, from briefings on shootings to wars to public health crises to the impact of inflation. As I’ve processed all of this, my prayers have been made up of short sentences that carry a myriad of emotions: confusion, anger, grief, uncertainty, and the list goes on. Reading through the book of Psalms has come along at just the right time, as I sit with all that is going on around me.
As we move from the second collection of Psalms to the third, the overall tone changes to one of somberness. The psalms curated in Book III reflect some pretty difficult days in Israel’s history, where the nation’s actions, including David’s descendants, led to judgment from the Lord and oppression from other nations. Although the psalmists do not explicitly name the events, the content of their prayers reveals that they were dealing with some pretty heavy circumstances. Out of these circumstances, the psalmists poured their hearts out to the Lord. This is the case In Psalm 74, as Asaph pleads with God to remember His people.
Remember your congregation, which you purchased long ago and redeemed as the tribe for your own possession. —Psalm 74:2
I can only imagine the timbre of the singer’s voice as he asks God to turn His attention to His people. Or the combination of major and minor keys that may have been accented by vocal growling or moaning to express deep emotions. There’s a lot of emphasis placed on remembrance in this psalm. Obviously, God isn’t being asked to remember because He has physically forgotten some detail or event. Asaph is asking God to turn His attention toward His people and act on their behalf.
“Why do you hold back your hand?” Asaph asks God in verse 11. How bold, and frankly, irreverential this question seems. And yet, it remains in the canon of Scripture, showing us—maybe even challenging us—that we can be completely honest in our communication with the Lord. We can express our disappointment, our wrestling, our grief, and other responses to what’s going on in life. And when we cry out to God, we come to Him from a place of trust, knowing that He, our all-powerful King (Psalm 74:12) is the only One we can turn to.
These psalms have reminded me that God’s presence is a safe space for our prayers. Sometimes they’re moderate and quiet. Sometimes they’re rough and guttural, laden with passion and emotion. Whatever the posture, our God is faithful in listening as we pour out our hearts to Him.
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47 thoughts on "Asking God to Remember"
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You’re welcome ☺️
Whatever my situation, wherever I roam.. however dark my storm..
God’s presence has been my good!
BUT GOD..
Thank you Lord God, Thank you. ❤
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence. 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity ;
their evil imaginations have no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance. – Psalms 73:2-10. Wow- this is me! I do these things ! What a grace when I get to verse 26- “my flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever”!!! These verses just hit like a ton of bricks! It is so hard navigating the Christian life in the world today- Lord I ask for your forgiveness of my sins and help me to share Your love !!! Amen & Amen!!!
2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles;
their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens;
they are not plagued by human ills. 6 Therefore pride is their necklace;
they clothe themselves with violence. 7 From their callous hearts comes iniquity ;
their evil imaginations have no limits. 8 They scoff, and speak with malice;
with arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths lay claim to heaven,
and their tongues take possession of the earth. 10 Therefore their people turn to them
and drink up waters in abundance. – Psalms 73:2-10
Gayle R thanks for sharing that book recommendation.
@Lueah, thank you for mentioning the prayer. @Heidi I’m praying and praying for you all. Have a good night!
Even when my words are raw before the Lord, I am still turning to Him. I may be angry, confused, hurt and despairing. Yet, I don’t turn away. I go to the only One Who can do anything about my situation.
I love that God is in control; even when the world’s events may be telling us something different. We remind ourselves that God made everything and is in control of the ultimate story story.
@Dorthy- Thinking of you today and yesterday, must be so hard, but you are so inspiring with your faith and testimony you share!! Aways Joyful! Prayers for your sister’s situation as well! HUGS
After reading several of the comments and the devotional today, my day is starting out better than I thought it would. Some anniversaries aren’t worth remembering but some how the painful ones are the ones you do remember.
My son and d-i-l got three new dogs and four or five new pigs. I talked with them last night and they sent me pictures of all the new animals today, this also has cheered me up.
Sisters, be blessed and cheer someone up today.
I’ve read the Psalms but did not know who Asaph was, so I decided to do a little background research on him. Here is the info I found from Gotquestions.com (love this site) and I’ve pasted it here for you guys if you are interested:
There were a number of Levites that King David assigned as worship leaders in the tabernacle choir, according to 1 Chronicles 6:31–32. Asaph was one of these men (1 Chronicles 6:39). Asaph’s duties are described in detail in 1 Chronicles 16. According to 2 Chronicles 29:30, both Asaph and David were skilled singers and poets. Asaph is also mentioned as a “seer” or prophet. The “sons of Asaph” are mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:1, 2 Chronicles 20:14, and Ezra 2:41. The sons of Asaph were likely a guild of skilled poets and singers, modeling themselves musically after Asaph, their master. The church musicians of our day can be considered spiritual “children of Asaph.”
Psalms 50 and 73—83 are called the “Psalms of Asaph” because his name appears in the superscription at the head of those psalms. Regarding Asaph’s role as a prophet, of particular interest is the imprecatory Psalm 83, which deals with God’s judgment of Israel’s enemies: Edom, the Ishmaelites, Moab, the Hagarites, Gebal, Ammon, the Amalekites, Philistia, Tyre, and Assyria. If we examine the psalms written by Asaph, we can see that all of them have to do with the judgment of God, and many involve the prayers of the people at the prospect or moment of a particular event.
Asaph was a gifted individual. He understood where the gift came from, and he used his music to praise the Lord and communicate His Word to a needy world.
Michelle P- I love that song from Ghost Ship! That is one of my favorite Christian bands. Also, thank you for the encouragment the other day and prayers for you as you embark on your new adventure.
Heidi – Praying for you.
This jumped out at me too! It’s a rough morning. We moved 20 hours away from friends, family, and the town I spent my whole life in about a year ago. Some days I still wake up bitter about it. I know without a doubt it is God’s plan for us to be here but sometimes my soul needs a talking too! I discovered the SRT podcast after dropping my husband off at the airport to interview for his current position. Once we moved in a were settled, I realized I HAD to dive back into His Word and presence to get myself back on track. Before we found a church home, I started doing the SRT studies. God’s presence has been my good! It’s been a lifeline of companionship, structure, steadiness, and has quieted the screams of frustration. I love how this translation summed up what I’ve been thinking into 5 words: God’s presence is my good!
My day started in dread as I contemplated shifting into the “dark” Psalms. Then I viewed the recently released pictures from space of the “Phantom Galaxy and all that weight lifted. My dread turned to worship as I contemplated the vast expanse and my/our place in creation. God does not forget what he has so lovingly created. He has been providing for us even when we were unaware. I can’t answer the deep questions of the Psalmist or even my own. I can only rest in the truth of His presence and will.“ Who is man that God should be mindful of him?” “Where were we when he laid the foundation of the earth and set its boundaries?” Maybe I should spend more time asking God to remind me of his faithfulness then asking him to remember me.
I admire the boldness others have through prayer, as Asaph shows here. There is beauty in his words, even though he cries out to God at first, his words turn to God Himself as the refuge, strength of his heart, his portion. It reminds me of Lamentations 3:21-26.
@Molly R That’s wonderful – since leaving social media and the news sources years ago, my life has become less complicated and dreary. It’s like a fog has been lifted and I can think more clearly. What an inspiration you are to your children and family.
@Kyle Lara Thank you for sharing! I love that about God – He is a safe sounding board for all of our crazy emotions. He’s heard it all! He’s just glad we acknowledge Him and seek Him as a friend. It’s a great reminder – what a friend we have in Jesus. Do I treat Jesus as my best friend? Who do I communicate with the most in my life?
@Helen L, praying for you.
@Michelle Patire Amen! We definitely cannot transform ourselves, and spending time in His presence helps us to gain perspective. Sometimes we still don’t understand, but that’s where trust and faith kick in. I am reminded of Isaiah 55:8-9 ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”” And Proverbs 3:5-6… “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” It’s such a learning process for me to release control to Him, but God is so good through it all!
@Oluseye Ashiru I did the same today! I just watched some of the Chosen last night and I remember how the disciples would pray in the morning, so I immediately grabbed my phone and opened it to She Reads Truth! Creating a shortcut on my home screen really helped me get into the routine (I use the website not the app, since it’s easier for me to comment.) @Heidi, that’s one of my go-to songs to eradicate fear and worry, because I can recall the song quickly out of habit. It’s a great tool for calling out the enemy with God’s Truth. Praying for you Heidi.
@Kristen Thanks for the reminder to check out the Enduring Word commentary. I still have the other one open that you referenced. I want to get into the habit of digging deeper on there too and reading different versions of the scriptures. Also, lovely prayer for the wicked. It’s so important to pray for our enemies, thank you for that reminder too.
There’s so many amazing insights here from all of you. It feels so good to be together in God’s Word every morning and to meditate and pray in His presence. Such peace! <3 have a wonderful day ladies.
Going through a lot of internal struggle these days. Unhappy and unmotivated with my job, feeling isolated from my friends/family, feeling unfulfilled in general, disappointed that my husband and I are struggling to get pregnant,… the list goes on.
However, I find so much comfort in these Psalms, knowing I can vent to my God who is my Rock, my guide, my fortress. He’s my only source of comfort in times in these. I can’t WAIT for Jesus to come back!
Going through a lot of internal struggle these days. Unhappy and unmotivated with my job, feeling isolated from my friends/family, feeling unfulfilled in general, disappointed that my husband and I are struggling to get pregnant,… the list goes on.
@Heidi V. Yes it was “The Presence of God”
I remember being in basement folding laundry and sobbing after a fight with my husband. I screamed at God that I felt that He was not working in our marriage even though I would pray night and day relentlessly. After that prayer/scream session I had, nothing about my marriage changed immediately but I was filled with a sense of His peace that He saw my meltdown and He wasn’t angry with me, He was compassionate and cared that I was hurting. I then, days later, repented for my angry outburst and what I felt God say never left me, I felt like He was happy that I came to Him with my worries and cares. As if He was saying, “I’m just glad you are here with me, trusting that I’m here with you.” Big picture? He can handle our wild emotions and irrational outbursts. He loves us unconditionally…at our worst and our best. I think it delights God in just recognizing His presence through it all.
Being honest with God often seemed too much for me, that if I was honest in letting Him know that I was angry with Him, that would be wrong. Just writing this, I know how far I’ve come. I remember being in basement folding laundry and sobbing after a fight with my husband. I screamed at God that I felt that He was not working in our marriage even though I would pray night and day relentlessly. After that prayer/scream session I had, nothing about my marriage changed immediately but I was filled with a sense of His peace that He saw my meltdown and He wasn’t angry with me, He was compassionate and cared that I was hurting. I then, days later, repented for my angry outburst and what I felt God say never left me, I felt like He was happy that I came to Him with my worries and cares. As if He was saying, “I’m just glad you are here with me, trusting that I’m here with you.”
This morning I started my time in the word with a 2 year old on my lap, who was up much earlier than normal from a leaky diaper. Instead of lamenting the interruption, I tried something I rarely do: I listened to an audio version of these scriptures! I don’t normally do this as my brain doesn’t take information in auditorily very well. But even if I didn’t get every word, I almost felt washed in it, head to toe. And it’s always a joy when I know my children are bathed in the Word, too! I could definitely feel the mood shift in these passages. I felt saddened for Asaph, and reminded that I can come to God in any mood, and open my heart and soul to Him, without fear of Him getting angry or turning away.
Since leaving social media and any type of news/information platform, my anxiety about “tomorrow” has all but vanished. I am learning to worry only about “today.” It has changed my whole household, as I am no longer weighed down with things I felt were not mine to carry, and my mind is no longer filled with the “prospering of the wicked.” Just the other day, during a car ride, my kids and I began talking about how God always meets the needs of His children. I began telling them all of the ways God had met all our needs, some in truly miraculous ways! They were spellbound – it was almost like a song of thankfulness as I, too, was reminded of how good God is to those He has adopted as Sons and Daughters! I am always amazed when God fills my mouth with His Goodness, and I am able to tell that to my children, even reminding them that our blessings may not look like the world’s idea of success and blessings, but we know in our hearts and home that God is so gracious, kind, and loving beyond our imaginations, even when times are “tough!”
Anyone else remember memorizing Psalm 73:23 a couple years back with SRT? I can see the physical book in my mind but can’t remember the title…. “But as for me, God‘s presence is my good. I have made the Lord God my dwelling place so I may tale of all He does.“……Was it “The presence of God”….?
So relevant to todays world. I felt like I was reading headlines from this mornings newspaper! But God was faithful to the Psalmists and He is faithful to His followers today. Thank you Jesus for the hope you give your people!
“My flesh and my heart may fail, BUT GOD… is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 73:26 – That about sums it all up!
Have a blessed Wednesday my She sisters, and enjoy this last day of August!
Thank you God for listening to our prayers.
As I was reading the question popped into my head “Did God forget his own people?” I put it in my notes.
Lamentation. I have learned the art of it. I have lived through hard things. I have intimately known the lines of Asaph in Psalm 73… “Did I purify my heart and wash my hands in innocence for nothing?” (v. 13). And then this… “ When I tried to understand all this it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary…” (v. 16-17). Asaph was struggling with what he saw as goodness in the lives of people not living for God. He was tempted to turn away from God. And then he remembers “my flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever” (v. 26). “God’s presence is my good” (v. 28). Yes, this world is full of hard things. But this is not our forever home. It is a place where we collect treasures in our heart along the way. A smile from your mama, hugs from your husband, laughter from children, coffee with a friend. So many treasures of joy mixed into this life of unknowns and interruptions. And we do not walk alone. God is with us in the joys, the sadness, the beautiful and the hard things. There is a time for laughter and a time for lamenting. And I have learned how the joy of the Lord ties everything together with His hands. Because He is always good, even when what we are going through is not. I have learned to seek out and listen to people who have walked through suffering with God. Their joy is sweeter, their faith unshakable, their souls shine with the radiance of the sparkling jewels of heaven. The art of lamentation is necessary, but it’s not forever. We have love letters from God to remind us. Spending time in His Word is my sanctuary. And I am grateful to be welcomed in God’s presence anytime I want. His love pours out upon me and I rise with His grace. Selah. Maranatha. Amen.
https://www.everypsalm.com/music/psalm-74.
@Angie Mills- the same scriptures popped out to me. I wrote them down. Psalm 73:22-28
I like how Asaph admits “I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before you.”
-Psalm 7 3:22 NKJV
We can complain to God and question His goodness, but when He gives us revelation of His care for our situation, it certainly can reveal how limited our scope is.
What is that scripture? Job 40:4 NIV : “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. ”
I just think of that whole dialogue between God and Job. There is a song called “Where Were You” by Ghost Ship that details it perfectly. Highly recommended! God brought this all to me when I was asking “If you are good, why does Satan even exist or have power over us? Why did you even allow him in the garden or in Earth?”
Now, my dad is asking that question… interesting how are doubts are not uncommon to man.
May God bless us and help us remember His faithfulness. As it says in Psalm 73:16-17 NKJV –
“When I thought how to understand this, It was too painful for me— Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end.”
We need time in God’s presence to gain perspective, Shes!!!!
God bless you and give you discernment between good and evil. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind through Christ alone! We can’t transform ourselves :)
“ When I tried to understand all this, it seemed hopeless until I entered God’s sanctuary. Then I understood their destiny.” 73:16 The wicked prosper only for a season.
I feel like throughout my life it’s in the questioning, the struggling, and the crying out to God that we are drawn closer to Him and have a deeper reliance on Him when things are not going our way. I echo what others have said that “God’s Presence is my good.” I will cling to that in this busy season of working full time and field hockey that making time to spend in God’s Presence is better than anything else I can do for my day.
@Heidi praying for you!
@Gayle, thank you for sharing this. God’s presence is my good! I really love this because it encompasses all I could ever need, His presence
@Heidi I had this same exact experience! I woke up suddenly way before my alarm and I immediately checked to see what could have made me wake suddenly. Not able to see anything, I immediately decide to start meditating on God’s word, His peace and to start to pray for all those around me and for His peace.
I like how these psalms remind us that sometimes it may look like the “bad guys” are winning, but in the end, the Lord will make all things just in time.
Thank you! What a great idea! I love the short prayer.
But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
This brought me right back to the podcast this week, The notion that our views of what’s “good” isn’t necessarily what God sees as “good”. I worry endlessly about what is to come, but I am learning through this study that the world can never truly take away the real goodness in my life, God’s presence.
In these two psalms, Asaph is asking God to remember:
-How he follows Him (Psalm 73)
-His covenant people, Israel (Psalm 74)
After Asaph bitterly complained that the wicked are prosperous, he says these beautiful words:
23 Yet I am always with You;
You hold my right hand.
24 You guide me with Your counsel,
And afterward You will take me up in glory.
25 Who do I have in Heaven but You?
And I desire nothing on earth but You.
26 My flesh and my heart may fail,
But God is the strength of my heart,
My portion forever.
28 But as for me, God’s presence is my good.
I have made the Lord GOD my refuge,
So I can tell about all You do.
(Psalm 73:23-26, 28)
I memorized parts of the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The first question is: “What is man’s chief end?” What is our purpose? The answer is: “Man’s chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The scriptural proof that they gave is Psalm 73:25-26. I can’t ever read these verses without thinking of that question and answer.
When Asaph complains asking why arrogant and wicked people prosper, he ends up with this answer: God’s presence is my good. Yes! I may not be prosperous in the eyes of this world, but God is with me. He is mine and I am His. There is nothing I lack. Whatever circumstances come—illness, persecution, poverty, hunger—like Paul, I can learn to be content because God is with me and He is for me. I can use everything as an opportunity to glorify Him.
We can go to God however we are, whatever the circumstances, however terrible it may feel and He will be there. This can be hard to remember – but He desires us to be honest and open with Him. I think the hard part comes when He isn’t meeting us where WE want, but part of our faith is believing that He is always listening and present – finding ways to see Him in the broken.
Timely.
Woke up very suddenly this morning, before my alarm.. I so strongly felt the enemy start to flood my mind with fear and in that exact same moment the song lyrics “Jesus, Jesus! You make the darkness tremble- Jesus, Jesus! You silence fear…” Not sure the last time I even heard this song but I’m so grateful it was on my heart to “pop up” in a mental battle…
Y’all it’s hard right now, I don’t even have the energy to soften it. These verses- (paraphrase) The unbelievers are doing great! Those not following your will are thriving and seem worried about nothing! And meanwhile we’re over here, answering Your call, taking the steps You’ve lead us to, and our lives are turning into sudden shambles. So what’s the picture, God? Follow me and watch your life turn hard, painful, and sad? Do my will and recognize your financial prosperity is over? (- again- please know I know these are my words, my take on the emotions of these verses).
That’s what I went to bed questioning and woke up thinking and, at the least, I appreciate the Psalmist expressing the same heart.
We need your daily prayers for wisdom and understanding right now. We feel so strongly that God is leading and we are following, but the surroundings seem to be being destroyed as we do and we need confirmation God knows/sees this and has a plan for it.
Peace, confirmation, wisdom, God’s kindness- praying for our hearts to experience these things in a new and fresh way today…
God, thank You for hearing me. Amen & amen!!
This was so timely! I feel like all around me people are manifesting stuff from the universe and it really does seem like they are prospering. I know I have developed a resentful attitude and this was so helpful in reminding me that I have the Lord and he hasn’t forgotten me.
He listens and He knows our hearts and He still loves us. I’m so grateful to know that even when I don’t know what to say He knows my heart. In times when the hurt runs so deep that all you can do is cry, He knows your pain. Thank you Jesus!
Amen Lord hear the cries of our hearts.
❤️
I looked up a commentary on Psalm 73 by just typing those words in. The Enduring Word Bible commentary came up first. Please check it out! Wow! There is a lot to glean there.
Also, my prayer is that the wicked, in God’s mercy, would be drawn to Him and that He would remove their depraved minds and let them see Him rightly and themselves rightly. I pray that they would cry out and truly repent and be totally transformed and saved. I pray they would tell others of the greatness of God and do this all the rest of their days and give God praise, glory, and honor as they and we all should. Amen.
It is hard to see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer persecution. Yet the Lord has a bigger plan that we have to trust is just. He remains on the throne and will not let evil go too far. May He give us eyes to see things from His perspective and sustain us in the trials.
Thanks for the reminder that are prayers don’t always have to sound sweet but that we can be real with God❤️❤️❤️❤️