Thy Way Was in the Sea
Brother Sparks emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and His ability to provide a way out even in the most desperate circumstances. Using Psalm 77 as a foundation, he highlights how the psalmist, Asaph, faced a time of deep despair when he could see no sign of God's activity or concern. Despite this, Asaph remembered God's mighty deeds in the past, such as leading Israel through the Red Sea, which reminded him that God's way is always in the sea and waters—symbolizing impossible situations. Brother Sparks encourages believers to recall God's past miracles and to believe that He still has a way when humanly there seems to be none. He draws parallels to biblical events like the siege of Jerusalem and the deliverance from Sennacherib, illustrating that God can make a way through seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Furthermore, he connects this truth to current times, referencing Luke 21, which predicts distress among nations with no apparent way out. Yet, he assures that heaven always has a solution, and believers should lift up their heads because their redemption draws near. Ultimately, the message is one of hope and faith: no matter how dark the waters, God's way is always present, and He will lead His people through.
Outline of Main Points
- Psalm 77 depicts a time of spiritual despair when God's activity seems hidden.
- Asaph recalls God's mighty deeds, especially leading Israel through the Red Sea, as a reminder of God's power to make a way in impossible circumstances.
- The phrase "Thy way was in the sea" symbolizes God's ability to lead His people through great waters and insurmountable obstacles.
- Historical biblical examples, such as the deliverance from Egypt and the siege of Jerusalem, demonstrate God's power to provide a way when there appears to be none.
- Luke 21 predicts distress among nations with "no way out," but believers are encouraged to lift up their heads because their redemption is near.
- The core message: God always has a way, and believers must trust in His sovereignty and timing, especially in difficult times.
1 I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. 2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. 4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6 I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? 8 Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? 9 Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah. 10 And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
11 I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. 12 I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. 13 Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? 14 Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. 15 Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. 17 The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. 18 The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. 19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. 20 Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
