Psalm 78 is commonly known as one of thirteen teaching psalms, which are often identified by the Hebrew title, Maskil, which means instruction, contemplation, or wisdom song. In Psalm 78 we see that Asaph, who was a worship leader from the Tribe of Levi, retells of Israel’s history as a way to teach future generations. We are keeping with the theme of yesterday’s devotion, as we saw Stephen used Israel’s history, in Acts 7, as a way to teach the Council, and future generations, of God’s glory. Today, in verses 17-20, Asaph reminds us of Israel’s rebellion and their worries, fears, and frustrations that all led to their doubt of God in the wilderness. He goes on in verses 52-55 to contrast as he reminds us of God’s faithfulness as the Good Shepherd to His people.
Friends, if I am being completely transparent, I have been like Israel and have wrestled with worries, even after witnessing God’s tremendous faithfulness as the Good Shepherd within my life. I can tell you that I love Jesus with my whole heart, yet recently I have wrestled with my human worries rather than trusting faithfully, at all times, in the One Who wants to take those worries from me. So, what do I do? Well, Lent is the perfect season for me and Jesus to firmly hold hands, as it is for you and Jesus, too. I know Jesus invites me to release my worries to Him all of the time, but in this particular season it all began with Satan tempting Jesus in the wilderness, and so I know that Jesus understands my wilderness of worries right now, just as He understands exactly where you find yourself. So, I’m going to surrender to the Shepherd as I walk in daily reflection, repentance, and renewal, and I invite you to do the same. Remember, Lent is a time for us to allow Jesus to work within our hearts, so He can take what we need Him to take, and He can bring healing to each one of us.
Please join Pastor Mary as she beginning her 40-Day Lenten Devotional series tomorrow and I encourage you to not miss a day. Also, come tomorrow night to the Ash Wednesday Service, February 18, 2026, at 7 p.m. – 9398 Oakhurst Road, Seminole, FL 33776. Together, let’s remember the freedom that we have in Christ which is not the absence of our times in the wilderness, rather a time for us to reflection, repent, and seek renewal as we invite the faithful Shepherd in so He can lead us through our wilderness. Be sure to come to worship on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. during this Lenten season. It has been such a privilege to spend time with you through these devotions over the last few weeks. With much love and many blessings, Jen Auer.
Psalm 78:17-20, 52-55 (NLT)
17 Yet they kept on sinning against him,
rebelling against the Most High in the desert.
18 They stubbornly tested God in their hearts,
demanding the foods they craved.
19 They even spoke against God himself, saying,
“God can’t give us food in the wilderness.
20 Yes, he can strike a rock so water gushes out,
but he can’t give his people bread and meat.”
52 But he led his own people like a flock of sheep,
guiding them safely through the wilderness.
53 He kept them safe so they were not afraid;
but the sea covered their enemies.
54 He brought them to the border of his holy land,
to this land of hills he had won for them.
55 He drove out the nations before them;
he gave them their inheritance by lot.
He settled the tribes of Israel into their homes.
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for being our faithful Shepherd. Please forgive us when our wilderness moments cloud our trust in You. Holy Spirit, we need Your daily guidance, wisdom, and discernment. We especially need You as our Holy Guide through our places of uncertainty. Jesus, we want to be closer to You this Lenten season. Help us to surrender to You, to lay down our burdens, to and to embrace repentance as we welcome a revived spirit in You, Jesus. Please continue to allow us to rest in the freedom that we have in You, Jesus, as we take each step in obedience, trust, and faithfulness. We ask all of this in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.