Trouble in Psalm 77 Is Answered by Remembering

Trouble in Psalm 77 Is Answered by Remembering

Lamenting. Moaning. Fainting. Some days are days of trouble. If you’re in such a day, Asaph is an example to mimic.

“I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord; in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying; my soul refuses to be comforted.” Psalm 77:1-2

Asaph cries out to God. Repeat. He cries out to God because he knows he will be heard. Matthew 6:33 reminds us to “…seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” We cry, we seek, we stretch our hands out, and we refuse to be comforted unless he hears us. Asaph moans. His spirit faints.

I understand. Maybe you understand, too.

“You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.” Psalm 77:4

Despair is overwhelming. You become listless. You grow apathetic. Motivation is non-existent. You can’t even hold your eyelids open. Your soul is so very troubled that you can’t even open your mouth. Psalm 77 reveals that trouble is real. However, we keep reaching out to God.

And we remember.

“I consider the days of old, the years long ago. I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.’ Then my spirit made a diligent search…” Psalm 77:5-6

In the depth of pain, loss, and brokenness, it’s good to stop to consider the macro story. Consider the days of old and remember. You’ve been rehearsing the story and the songs of the story. Sing them to yourself from the depths of the pit. Meditate on truth. Asaph advises that you make a diligent search. Rehearse. Remember. Recall. Believe.

Truth must govern your times of trouble.

To summarize verses seven through nine of this beautiful psalm, God will not spurn you forever. He is and will be favorable to you. His steadfast love has not ceased. It will not be thwarted by your troubles. Again, the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. His promises are not interrupted. He has not forgotten to extend his grace to you. Especially in times of trouble. His heart is not squelched by his own anger.

“Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the Lord…” Psalm 77:10-11

Trouble should cause us to appeal to what we’ve learned across days of old. The right hand of the Most High has performed deeds of old. Trouble should remind us to ponder and meditate upon his mighty and good deeds.

He is holy, and he is great. He is faithful and works wonders among all peoples. He has made known his power among the peoples and has redeemed us with his mighty arm.

Flood waters, clouds, thunder, whirlwinds and lightening are afraid of our God. They tremble. Trouble is no match for our God. His unseen footprints maneuver every obstacle raised by high waters. And by his hand he leads his people as a good Shepherd.

“…the test of the heart is trouble, and it always comes with years…” J. R. Miller, The Ministry of Comfort

In times of trouble, recall the mighty deeds, the grace, the goodness, the steadfast love, and the testimony of our God.

“Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen. You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Psalm 77:19-20

4 Comments

    • D. Ray Davis

      Amen, Lynn! He is always faithful.

  1. Thank you so much for these words. I have been praying for God’s guidance and to be shown where to go and what to do next. I have felt so lost and also so incapable of doing life without my husband for all my adult life. I keep hoping for direction and answers from God but I’ve been at this for so long and it seems like I’m talking to a wall, but I’m pressing on because where else can I go but to my father in heaven. Thank you again for these words. It gives me hope to keep looking for His direction and wisdom; help and sustainability.

    • D. Ray Davis

      I’m grateful, Deanna, that this entry was helpful. Remembering the gospel helps tremendously in facing loss. Press on. You can do it.

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