Introduction

This sermon addresses the reality of the "dark night of the soul"—those seasons where God remains silent despite persistent prayer. By examining Psalm 77, we explore the tension between deep personal suffering and the historical faithfulness of God. Using the Exodus story as a backdrop, we see how the biblical pattern of "hiding before rescue" serves to prepare the heart for a more intimate revelation of the Divine.

Scripture References

• Psalm 77: The lament of Asaph and the remembrance of God’s wonders.
• Exodus 1–14: The narrative of revelation, rescue, and recompense.
• Matthew 27:46: Jesus’ cry of dereliction on the cross.
• Ephesians 2:4-7: God’s mercy in making us alive with Christ.

Key Points

• The Honesty of Lament: Asaph models a faith that is not afraid to cry out. Bringing raw emotion, insomnia, and even "moaning" to God is a form of worship. The Psalms give us a vocabulary for pain when our own words fail.
• The Reality of Divine Silence: Silence from Heaven is a normal part of the Christian experience. It does not necessarily indicate unrepentant sin; often, it is a "divine peekaboo"—a purposeful hiding that focuses our attention and prepares us for a clearer revelation.
• The Weight of Remembrance: When feelings suggest God has forgotten to be gracious, we must intentionally shift the weight of our perspective to history. Asaph concludes that God’s way is "holy" (set apart) by meditating on the Exodus.
• Building Personal and Community Monuments: Because we are prone to forget, we must create "altars"—recorded testimonies, family traditions, or shared community stories—that serve as tangible evidence of God’s past faithfulness during current storms.
• The Ultimate Rescue: Our hope is anchored in the Gospel. Just as the Red Sea was parted, Christ entered the waters of death to provide the final rescue. His resurrection is the promise that every "hidden face" of God will eventually be revealed.

Conclusion

Suffering is not the end of the story, but the tilling of the soil. God's footprints may be unseen in the "great waters" of our lives, but He leads His people like a flock. Whether through personal history, the community of the church, or the ancient story of the Exodus, we find the strength to hold fast until the hands of God part and we see Him face to face.

Calls to Action

• Record Your History: Start a "Family Poem" or a journal of "But God" moments to document specific instances of provision and rescue.
• Engage in Community: Share a testimony of grace with someone in your small group or pact to help build their faith.
• Pray the Psalms: This week, find a Psalm of lament that resonates with your current trial and pray it back to God as your own.

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