Psalms 77

¹ To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of Asaph. 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.

Overview of Psalm 77

Psalm 77 is a deeply introspective chapter that expresses the psalmist’s anguish and struggle with faith during times of distress. The psalmist grapples with feelings of abandonment by God while simultaneously recalling past acts of divine intervention and mercy. This chapter is structured around a series of emotional transitions, moving from despair to a renewed sense of hope through remembrance.

Structure of Psalm 77

1. Verses 1-3: Crying Out in Distress

   The psalmist begins by expressing deep anguish and despair. The repetition of phrases emphasizes the intensity of his suffering and the feeling of being unheard.

2. Verses 4-9: The Weight of Memory

   Here, the psalmist reflects on his sleepless nights and the overwhelming thoughts that plague him. He questions God’s presence and wonders if God has forgotten him.

3. Verses 10-12: Turning Point

   The psalmist begins to shift his focus from despair to remembrance. He resolves to recall the deeds of the Lord and meditate on His wonders.

4. Verses 13-15: Acknowledgment of God’s Holiness

   In these verses, the psalmist acknowledges the holiness and greatness of God, recognizing that God’s ways are beyond human understanding.

5. Verses 16-20: Remembrance of God’s Power

   The psalmist recounts the powerful acts of God, particularly the Exodus and the parting of the Red Sea, illustrating God’s ability to deliver His people in times of trouble.

Thematic Elements

• Despair and Hope

  The tension between despair and hope is a central theme. The psalmist’s initial cries of distress contrast sharply with his eventual remembrance of God’s past faithfulness.

• Memory as a Tool for Faith

  Remembering God’s past actions serves as a catalyst for the psalmist’s renewed faith. This highlights the importance of memory in sustaining belief during difficult times.

• The Nature of God

  The psalmist emphasizes God’s holiness and power, reinforcing the idea that God is both transcendent and immanent, capable of intervening in human affairs.

Emotional Journey

The emotional journey in Psalm 77 can be broken down as follows:

1. Despair

   The psalmist feels abandoned and overwhelmed by his circumstances, leading to a sense of hopelessness.

2. Questioning

   In moments of doubt, the psalmist questions God’s faithfulness and presence, reflecting a common struggle in the human experience.

3. Remembrance

   A pivotal moment occurs when the psalmist chooses to remember God’s past deeds, which begins to shift his perspective.

4. Renewed Faith

   The chapter concludes with a reaffirmation of faith, as the psalmist acknowledges God’s sovereignty and past interventions.

Conclusion

Psalm 77 serves as a powerful reminder of the human experience of suffering and the importance of remembrance in maintaining faith. Through its emotional depth and theological insights, this chapter encourages readers to reflect on their own struggles and the ways in which they can find hope through the recollection of God’s faithfulness.