PSALM 77. For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

Theme: We are comforted through the hard times by remembering God's help in the past. Recalling God's miracles and previous works can give us courage to continue.

Author: Asaph

https://www.biblestudytools.com/psalms/77.html

1 I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted. 3 I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked: 7 “Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” 10 Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand. 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” 13 Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 16 The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17 The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18 Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 19 Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 20 You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Study Notes:

77:1-12 Asaph cried out to God for courage during a time of deep distress. The source of Asaph's distress (77:4) was his doubt (77:7-9). He pled, "I cried out to God for help.". But in 77:13-20, the "I" is gone. As Asaph expressed his requests to God, his focus changed from thinking of himself to worshiping God. "You are the God who performs miracles" (77:14). Only after he put aside his doubts about God's holiness and care for him (77:13, 14) did he eliminate his distress (77:20). As we pray to God, he shifts our focus from ourselves to him.

77:11, 12 Memories of God's miracles and faithfulness sustained Israel through their difficulties. They knew that God was capable and trustworthy. When you meet new trials, review how good God has been to you, and this will strengthen your faith.

77:16 This statement refers to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea. This great event is mentioned many times in the Old Testament (Exodus 14:21, 22; Joshua 24:6; Nehemiah 9:9; Psalm 74:13; 106:9; 136:13-15). The story of this incredible miracle was handed down from generation to generation, reminding the Israelites of God's power, protection, and love.

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There's this thing I do daily that helps my memory--I write down "What God Did Today:". It's just a documentation of what I see God at work through others, through events in the world, and through me. Sometimes they are great things, sometimes small mundane stuff. Yesterday, I read through the daily writings for the past several months. It was awesome to remember. Then I read this psalm today and I really related to Asaph. I love the way God works!

Thank you, Lord, for your steadfast enduring love and mercy. Thank you for showing us your presence through your works. Thank you for the provisions that come right when needed most. Praise is natural and heartfelt when I remember all you have done. I worship and adore you. In the name of your Son, my Savior, Jesus Christ, amen.

A Song: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xBYs3wmhUVc

Have a blessed day.