What could cause this deep grief and trouble in the writer of this Psalm. It could be personal sorrow. A loved one might have died. It could be one of enemies coming against him. He could be sorrowful over his own sin against God or failure in life. He could be grieving because sin is consumed the land and causing God's presence and protection to be withdrawn. Whatever the trouble, this writer knows who to go to for help and so should we. No matter what the trouble, God is the answer and help.

This is a normal reaction to have if we are troubled and it seems as if God's answer is silence. This seems to be a cry for the nation of Israel which has suffered so much trouble from the enemies that constantly have come against them since the day they were created.  Many times their sin separated them from God and it would seem as if God had forsaken them but we know that He did not forget them and has set them in their own nation once again. 

He reminded himself that God is still on the throne. He reminded himself of the works that God did in the past. He may have remembered God's promise to Abraham, His protection from the pursuing armies of the Egyptians, the manna in the wilderness and man other times when God was not silent.

He remembered the God who led the flock of Israel by the hand of Moses and Aaron. He remembered that God has not changed and is still the same.

Sometimes today we have trials that we do not understand. It helps to remember the times when we felt God's presence and remember times when God answered prayer. This strengthens our faith. Hearing testimonies of others also helps restore our faith. Sometimes it seems Heaven is silent and in those times we have to remember the word of God and His promises, remember times in the past when God helped us and seek out others of like faith to encourage us.

There are times though that we need to consider our own ways and search our own hearts. Troubles come to all whether they are good or bad but sometimes we may feel forsaken of God because of our own works. Perhaps we have fallen into habitual sin that is separating us from His blessings. This does not mean every time something bad happens, that we have sinned against God. No, sometimes it is just a time of trial. Yet sometimes sin can be the very cause of our troubles. In today's teachings we have overlooked this possible cause to trouble. If sin is the cause we need to think God for allowing the trouble to come upon us to correct the situation. What if He allowed us to continue in sin until the time we die and then have that sin in our hearts at the point of death? Sin separates us from God.

Yet answered prayer and reconciliation with God is only a prayer away. The prayer being a prayer of repentance. If we sin, repent. It is simple as that. To repent means more than just being sorry. It means to turn around and change. It means to hate the sin and turn to God for help. God gave us His Son to die for our sins, forgive us of sin, and give us power over sin. We don't have to live separated from God. Through faith in Jesus Christ, sin is cleansed and our fellowship with God is restored.  God is so good to give us the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.  Sin separates but Jesus unites us and is the bridge that brings us back into the right relationship with God.

Psalm 78

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