A Psalm to Overcome Temptation (Psalm #77)

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Overcoming temptation

Psalm 77

The next few Psalms are all about the Shepherd of Israel, much like Psalm 23 – the Lord is my shepherd. Notice how the next three Psalms end and then Psalm 80 begins. First look at these endings: 77:20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron, 78:72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands, 79:13 So we thy people and sheep of thy pasture will give thee thanks for ever; we will shew forth thy praise to all generations, and 80:1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel…

As most psalms do, this one begins with complaints and ends with comforts. Now Asaph is speaking as an Israelite for the nation of Israel here where the nation appears to be cast off by God. Paul will address this in Romans 9-11.

This song is divided into four parts.

The first is the voice of the overwhelmed in verses 1-3. There is trouble on all sides.
The second is the temptation to abandon hope in the LORD in verses 4-9.
The third is the realization that forgetting God’s work is the real problem in verses 10-15.
The fourth is remembering the Lord’s leadership in verses 16-20.

Trouble on all sides (vss 1-3)

Every part of Asaph is in pain.
- His body in verse 2.
- His soul in verse 2.
- His spirit in verse 3.
A personal testimony of pastoring and working in the oil field at the same time. The emotional toll within a very short time is overwhelming.

Temptation enters (vss 4-9)

Asaph can’t sleep.
Asaph doesn’t have the words to say.
Asaph looks to history to see what men did in this situation, but that doesn’t help.
Asaph tries to entertain his trouble away.
Asaph makes a diligent search for relief without any. And that’s when temptation sets in.
You thought temptation was the pain and the sleepless nights. No, that was only the trouble. The temptation comes when the trouble dosn’t gone away.
Psalm 95:8 Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness:
Luke 8:13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Revelation 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.

Triumph of faith (vss 10-15)

Asaph realizes his faithlessness has become the real problem.
Infirmity is being faithless and losing hope.
Remember the years
Remember the works
Remember the wonders
Haven’t you noticed that your mind loves forgetting God and moving towards vain or bad things?
Meditate on the work of God – If you’re going to think about the LORD Jesus Christ, the Shepherd of Israel, you’re going to think about Him on purpose. It won’t be an accident.
Talk of His doings
- Remedy is that you need to stop thinking about what the world is doing and start thinking about what God has done.
- Nothing like (as Bro. Sutek said in his letter) publicly promoting Jesus Christ as a medicine for your mind.

Shepherd of Israel (vss 16-20)

The Shepherd is high above all and moves on the waters.
The Shepherd of Israel led His flock by Moses and Aaron years ago.
Shepherd of Israel is the answer – Romans 8:31-39 – Paul lists many things that would make you and I think we have been abandoned by God. These things are a product of the vanity that was introduced into the world when sin entered (Romans 8:20). And in each of these five circumstances Paul points to what God has done in Jesus Christ to spiritually address the need and express his great love.
Adversaries – Romans 8:31 If God be for us, who can be against us?
Necessities – Romans 8:32 – God gave His only begotten Son, the greatest gift that he could possibly give – so why would He not give you something that you need – Philippians 4:19
Accusations – Romans 8:33 – Paul says, It is God that justifieth. And if you’re justified by God by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, then who can bring an accusation?
Condemnations – Romans 8:34 – If Jesus Christ is your Advocate with the Father, does it even matter that someone may falsely condemn you?
Trouble – Romans 8:35-37 – More than conquerors! Not only victorious, but more than victorious in Jesus Christ! Trouble is the expectation of Christianity in this world. You need to learn to expect the trouble serving God, and embrace Jesus Christ – the fellowship of His sufferings.
Physical – Romans 8:38-39 – There is no amount of substance or distance that can be put between the LORD and His people.