Psalm 77:9

Psalm 77:9

Is God merciful?

his is the last of these difficult verses that have been so full of woe and that even dare to question the integrity of Almighty God. The writer has two more questions, “Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has He in anger withheld His compassion?” We might be appalled at these allegations if it were not for the fact that the lament that people make in our day, time and again, is “Why does God allow suffering?”  It’s the same old complaint and one that is very hard to answer when people are going through great distress and sorrow.  

In fact, all 6 of these questions in verses 7-9 are repeated in various formats and have been heard throughout the history of the human race. We can almost imagine Adam leaning on his fork, after he had been expelled from the Garden of Eden, and asking the same things. And it is not always easy to tell if the questions are sincere or if they are an excuse for rejecting the Lord and renouncing any belief in Him. 

As we shall see, the only answer is to stop and reflect on God’s actual dealings with men; to recall what He has done as recorded in the Scriptures. To recall events over the past 2,000 years where He has intervened in the history of our world. We also need to stop and think about the times when He has worked miraculously in our own lives. That is the answer to those who question the integrity of the Lord, as we shall see.

 

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