Psalm 77
Psalm 77 is a psalm of lament, expressing deep distress and a longing for God's intervention. The psalmist begins by pouring out his soul to God, reflecting on personal struggles and moments when God seemed distant. However, he transitions into remembering God’s past works and faithfulness, finding comfort in the assurance that God’s power and love remain unchanged. This chapter teaches the importance of turning to God in times of despair and recalling His mighty deeds for renewed hope.
Psalm 77:1-3 (NKJV)
1 I cried out to God with my voice—
To God with my voice;
And He gave ear to me.
2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;
My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing;
My soul refused to be comforted.
3 I remembered God, and was troubled;
I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah
The psalmist begins by calling out to God in distress, knowing that God listens. Despite reaching out to God, the psalmist finds no immediate relief, as his soul remains restless. Even the act of recalling God brings mixed emotions—trouble rather than comfort—reflecting the complexity of spiritual struggles. This shows the reality of wrestling with faith during challenging times.
Psalm 77:4-6 (NKJV)
4 You hold my eyelids open;
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 meditate within my heart,
And my spirit makes diligent search.
The psalmist describes sleepless nights caused by overwhelming sorrow. He reflects on past experiences, even recalling songs of joy once sung, yet now they seem distant. Through meditation and searching within, he seeks answers to his current situation. This introspection highlights a struggle to reconcile God’s past faithfulness with present hardship.
Psalm 77:7-9 (NKJV)
7 Will the Lord cast off forever?
And will He be favorable no more?
8 Has His mercy ceased forever?
Has His promise failed forevermore?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah
The psalmist expresses a series of rhetorical questions, reflecting a deep fear that God’s mercy and promises might have ended. These questions reveal the human tendency to doubt God’s love during difficult times, wondering if His anger or displeasure has closed the door to compassion. The psalmist's doubts are honest, capturing the raw emotions of a troubled soul.
Psalm 77:10-12 (NKJV)
10 And I said, “This is my anguish;
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 Your wonders of old.
12 I will also meditate on all Your work,
And talk of Your deeds.
In his sorrow, the psalmist makes a decisive shift, choosing to recall God’s past works and miracles. This turning point marks a change in perspective—from dwelling on his anguish to focusing on God’s mighty acts. Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness gives the psalmist hope for the present, encouraging him to meditate and speak of God’s deeds.
Psalm 77:13-15 (NKJV)
13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary;
Who is so great a God as our God?
14 You are the God who does wonders;
You have declared Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
The psalmist acknowledges God's holiness, power, and greatness, reflected in the sanctuary. He declares that no other god compares to the Lord, who performs wonders and redeems His people. This reference to the redemption of Israel highlights God’s past intervention on behalf of His people, reinforcing trust in God’s ability to save.
Psalm 77:16-20 (NKJV)
16 The waters saw You, O God;
The waters saw You, they were afraid;
The depths also trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water;
The skies sent out a sound;
Your arrows also flashed about.
18 The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind;
The lightnings lit up the world;
The earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was in the sea,
Your path in the great waters,
And Your footsteps were not known.
20 You led Your people like a flock
By the hand of Moses and Aaron.
The psalm concludes with a poetic depiction of God’s power over creation, referring to events like the parting of the Red Sea. Even nature trembles at God’s presence, showcasing His might. Though God's ways are sometimes hidden, He leads His people faithfully, as seen in the leadership of Moses and Aaron during the Exodus. This final reflection affirms that God's power is ever-present, even when His ways are not immediately understood.