Preaching Outline on Psalm 77:19 – “Your way is in the sea, and your paths in great waters, and your steps are not known.”
In this text, the psalmist Asaph recounts his personal experience with God, expressing his struggles, anguish and, above all, his trust in God’s faithfulness. He recognizes that, although God’s ways are mysterious and often incomprehensible to the human mind, they always lead to the fulfilment of the Lord’s eternal purposes.
This verse teaches us about the journey of the faithful church in this fallen world. Just as Israel crossed the Red Sea on its way out of Egypt, we too are called to walk a path that can seem uncertain and full of challenges. However, God is with us every step of the way, guiding us even when His steps are not visible to our eyes.
Today, we want to reflect on the journey of the faithful church: a journey marked by trials, but also by the certainty of God’s presence and ultimate victory.
God’s project in the world
God chose this world, symbolized by the sea, as the setting where his work would be carried out. The sea represents a world that is chaotic, unstable and full of challenges. It is here, in the midst of storms and adversity, that God calls us to live out our faith.
God’s plan for us is not a life of constant comfort or endless material blessings. Rather, He places us in the “sea” of this world so that we can learn to depend on Him and testify to His power in the midst of difficulties.
Let’s remember the example of Israel when they left Egypt. When they reached the Red Sea, it seemed that they were trapped, with no way out. But God opened up a miraculous path, allowing them to cross on dry feet. In the same way, God will open paths for us, even when everything seems impossible.
For the faithful church, the world is not a place of rest, but of spiritual battle. We are called to be light in the darkness, salt on the earth and ambassadors for the Kingdom of God. This is our purpose while we are at sea.
The narrow and testing path
God’s paths are described as narrow and situated on “great waters”. This means that the path of faith is neither easy nor comfortable. Jesus said: “Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter through it” (Matthew 7:13).
The narrow path is characterized by struggles, renunciations and trials. The “great waters” represent the adversities we face along the way. These can be external tribulations, such as persecution, illness or financial crises, or internal battles, such as doubts, temptations and spiritual weaknesses.
But there is a precious promise in Song of Songs 8:7: “Many waters cannot quench this love, nor rivers drown it.” God’s love for us is unwavering, even in the greatest storms. The faithful church perseveres because it knows that the Lord is with it, sustaining it in the midst of turbulent waters.
Getting to know the author of the Bible
Although many know the Bible and even preach eloquently, few truly know the steps of the Author of the Word. Knowing God goes beyond theological or intellectual knowledge. It is a deep and personal experience with the Lord.
Jesus said: “If you knew me, you would know my Father” (John 8:19). Knowing God’s footsteps means following Christ’s example, living in obedience, humility and love. Unfortunately, many prefer just to talk about Jesus, without wanting to walk as he walked.
The faithful church, however, seeks to know the footsteps of the Lord. It is not content with being a nominal believer, but longs for a life transformed by the Holy Spirit. This church struggles daily against sin, seeks intimacy with God and lives in communion with other brothers and sisters.
In 1 John 2:6, we read: “He who says he is in him ought also to walk just as he walked.” The faithful church doesn’t just follow doctrines or religious traditions; it follows the person of Jesus Christ.
This implies:
There is a people who have understood this truth and are striving to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. These people don’t seek human applause, but divine approval. They know that the way of the cross is difficult, but they also know that it leads to eternal glory.
The path of the faithful church is a path of faith, trials and victories. Although it is marked by struggles and great waters, it is also a path of hope and security, because God is always present, guiding us with his invisible footsteps.
Just as Israel crossed the Red Sea, we too will cross this world alive in communion with God. No matter how turbulent the waters, God’s love will never be erased.
There are people who have chosen to walk this narrow path, seeking to know and follow in the footsteps of the Lord. These people don’t give up, because they know that their final destination is eternity with God. May we be part of this faithful church, which perseveres to the end, trusting that the Lord’s footsteps are firm, even if they are not visible to our eyes.
Amen!