Message Notes

INTRODUCTION

1. The Psalmist Asaph

a) Significantly mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25:1-2

b) He was listed with 2 others

i) Asaph

ii) Heman

iii) Jeduthun   (1 Chronicles 25:1)

c) His ministries

i) Prophecy

ii) Music

iii) Skilled   (1 Chronicles 25:1)

d) Supervisory role

i) Asaph’s sons

ii) Prophetic ministry

iii) Under the direction of Asaph   (1 Chronicles 25:2)

2. The Psalms of Asaph

a) Altogether 12 Psalms

b) Psalms 50, 73-83

GLIMPSES OF ASAPH’S PUBLIC MINISTRY

1. The Public Ministry of Prayer

a) Public Worship

b) Prayers were formally uttered

2. The Public Ministry of Praise

a) A Temple musician

b) Supportive role

3. The Public Ministry of Prophecy

a) As and when God gives a prophetic word

b) Not a fixed role

GLIMPSES OF THE PERSONAL PRAYER LIFE OF ASAPH

1. Recalling a time when God heard and answered Prayers   (Psalm 77:1)

“I cried out to God with my voice—
to God with my voice;
and He gave ear to me”   Psalm 77:1

a) A happy memory

b) A wonderful experience

2. Remembering a time when God did not seem to hear his prayers

a) Seeking God

“In the day of my trouble I sought the LORD;”   Psalm 77:2a

b) Outstretched hand

“My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing”   Psalm 77:2b

c) Soul searching

“My soul refused to be comforted”   Psalm 77:2c

d) Remembering God

“I remembered God, and was troubled”   Psalm 77:3a

e) A complaining spirit

“I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed”   Psalm 77:3b

f) Troubled

“I am so troubled that I cannot speak”   Psalm 77:4b

g) Anguish

“This is my anguish”   Psalm 77:10a

FINDING THE WAY OUT OF A SPIRITUAL DILEMMA

1. Recalling Biblical history

a) “I have considered the days of old”   (Psalm 77:5a)

b) “The years of ancient times”   (Psalm 77:5b)

2. Recalling a song in the night

a) A special song remembered

“I call to remembrance my song in the night”   Psalm 77:6a

b) This song brought a measure of comfort

3. The Practice of Meditation

a) Meditation of the heart

“I meditate within my heart”   Psalm 77:6b

b) Search of the spirit

“And my spirit makes diligent search”   Psalm 77:6c

c) Remembering the right hand of God

“But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High”   Psalm 77:10b

d) Remembering God’s works

“I will remember the works of the LORD,
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old”   Psalm 77:11

e) Meditation on God’s work

“I will also meditate on all Your work
And talk of Your deeds”   Psalm 77:12

THE GREATNESS OF GOD REDISCOVERED

1. The way of God

“Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
Who is so great a God as our God?”   Psalm 77:13

2. The wonders of God

“You are the God who does wonders;
You have declared Your strength among the peoples”   Psalm 77:14

3. The redemptive work of God

“You have with Your arm redeemed Your people;
The sons of Jacob and Joseph”   Psalm 77:15

CONCLUSION

1. Don’t give in to Despair

2. Practise Meditation

a) Of the heart

b) Of the mind

c) Of the spirit

3. Rediscover

a) Faith in God

b) Strength and Hope