Psalms

"When He killed them, then they sought Him, and returned and sought earnestly for God; And they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer."

Psalm 78:34-35

Some think that David wrote all of the Psalms. David is credited with writing 73 of the 150 psalms, about half of the Book of Psalms. It’s possible that David wrote more psalms without titles, but since the inspired text doesn’t name him for those, we can only be sure about the 73.

Psalm 78 was written by Asaph, one of the chief musicians appointed by King David. Asaph uses Israel’s history from the Exodus to the reign of David as a warning not to repeat the nation’s pattern of forgetting God’s works and turning to sin.

The story of Israel in the wilderness is sobering. They saw God split the Red Sea, rain down bread from heaven, and bring water from a rock. Yet, again and again, they drifted into sin and forgetfulness. Psalm 78 tells us that when God brought severe judgment, sometimes even death, they finally sought Him, but only for a while.

This verse reveals something about human nature: hardship can push us toward God, but unless our hearts are truly changed, that turning will fade. Crisis-driven repentance may bring tears, but it doesn’t always bring transformation. God desires more than our desperate cries; He longs for steady faithfulness, trust that endures in sunshine and storm.

This is where another biblical truth shines through: God desires obedience over sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). He is not impressed by outward displays of religion if the heart remains unchanged. Israel’s crisis-driven repentance lacked the steady, day-by-day trust and obedience God longs for. He wants more than desperate cries in trouble—He calls us to steadfast faithfulness that endures in both sunshine and storm.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark