What To Do When You Feel Like Giving Up

Preacher:
Date: May 22, 2023

Asaph was discouraged–so discouraged, in fact, that he had about given up on God. In Psalm 77, Asaph asks five questions that convey the despair he was feeling: “Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (Psalm 77:7-9). Asaph tells us he cried aloud and couldn’t sleep. He was in a bad way!

 

One of the reasons I love the Bible is that it is so honest. If a person was “fed up” with God, you’ll read about it in God’s Word. I believe it’s an indication that He wants us to be honest with Him about our feelings.

 

Maybe you’re feeling the same way today as Asaph did. You’re wondering if God has forgotten you because you have a big need in your life that is still unmet. If so, don’t stop with the first part of Asaph’s Psalm 77, because Asaph goes on to give us the solution.

 

He writes, “I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High. I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. . . What god is great like our God?” And then he goes on to list some of the wonders God had done in the past.

 

Say, what wonders has God done in your past that you haven’t thought about lately? Did He bring you through a complex situation at work? Heal your baby? Supply a financial need that you thought was impossible to meet? He is still the same God today.

 

Hold on! Know that He hasn’t stopped loving you or forgotten you. In His time He will answer with exactly what you need, for there’s no other god like Him!