Psa 77 | MHM | STEP | A Troubled Soul’s Prayer and Struggle This psalm shows the deep sadness of a believer who feels overwhelmed by troubles. The writer describes his struggle with grief and doubt, but also his efforts to turn to God. Even though he feels far from comfort, he chooses to cry out to God and remember God’s past faithfulness. This psalm is like a mirror for anyone who feels low in spirit, but it ends with hope because God listens and answers prayer. v. 1 : The psalmist says, “I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me” . He tells us that he prayed honestly and earnestly. At first, he did not feel comfort, but later, he understood that God had heard him. Even when struggling, he kept praying.

‏ Psalms 77

A Troubled Soul’s Prayer and Struggle

This psalm shows the deep sadness of a believer who feels overwhelmed by troubles. The writer describes his struggle with grief and doubt, but also his efforts to turn to God. Even though he feels far from comfort, he chooses to cry out to God and remember God’s past faithfulness. This psalm is like a mirror for anyone who feels low in spirit, but it ends with hope because God listens and answers prayer.

v. 1: The psalmist says, “I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me”. He tells us that he prayed honestly and earnestly. At first, he did not feel comfort, but later, he understood that God had heard him. Even when struggling, he kept praying.

v. 2: In his trouble, the psalmist sought the Lord. “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”. His pain was constant, even at night. He could not find comfort, even when others tried to help or when he tried to remember things that used to comfort him.

v. 3: He says, “I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed”. Thinking of God did not bring him peace. Instead, he only focused on God’s power and justice, which made him more afraid. Even pouring out his heart in prayer did not give him relief at first.

v. 4: He describes sleepless nights. “Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak”. He could not sleep, and his mind was so confused that he could not even talk about his pain. His grief was heavy and silent.

v. 5-6: The psalmist looked back at better days. “I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with my own heart, and my spirit made diligent search”(Psalm 77:5-6 ^a). He thought about the past, remembering times when he sang to God even during trouble. Now, those memories only made him sadder, because he felt he had lost those joys.

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v. 7-9: He questions if God has abandoned him. He asks, “Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? Doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies?”(Psalm 77:7-9 ^b). These are the doubts that came during his darkest moments. Even strong believers can sometimes feel this way, thinking that God’s love and mercy are gone forever. But these are fears, not facts.

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v. 10: Suddenly, the psalmist stops himself. “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High”. He realizes that these dark thoughts come from his own weakness and not from God’s truth. He decides to remember the times when God showed his power and love. This change in thinking leads him toward hope again.

Acknowledgments of the Divine Majesty, of God's Wonders Wrought for Israel

In this section, the psalmist recovers from his deep sadness by remembering all the great things God has done in the past. He learns that thinking about God’s past miracles and goodness can bring hope, even when things seem dark. He understands that God's ways are always holy, even when they are difficult to understand. By meditating on God’s works, he finds comfort and encouragement for the present time.

v. 11-12: The psalmist says, “I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember your wonders of old. I will meditate also of all your work, and talk of your doings”(Psalm 77:11-12 ^c). He chooses to think deeply about everything God has done for his people. By talking and thinking about these things, his faith becomes stronger.

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v. 13: He declares, “Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?”. God always acts in holiness and for the good of his people. When we don’t understand God’s actions, we can trust that he is holy and always keeps his promises. No other god can compare to the God of Israel.

v. 14: The psalmist says, “You are the God that does wonders: you have declared your strength among the people”. God’s amazing power can be seen in all the miracles he has done for his people. These wonders show that he is truly almighty.

v. 15: He remembers the great miracle of the Exodus: “You have with your arm redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph”. God saved Israel from Egypt with mighty miracles, showing both his power and his faithfulness to his promises.

v. 16: He describes how the Red Sea parted: “The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled”. Even the sea obeyed God and made a path for his people.

v. 17-18: The psalmist continues, “The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound: your arrows also went abroad. The voice of your thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook”(Psalm 77:17-18 ^d). He remembers how God used storms, thunder, and lightning to defeat Israel’s enemies, showing his power over nature itself.

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v. 19: He says, “Your way is in the sea, and your path in the great waters, and your footsteps are not known”. God’s ways are sometimes mysterious, like paths in the sea that cannot be traced, but they are always wise and good (Psalm 36:6; Proverbs 30:18-19 ^e).

v. 20: He ends by saying, “You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron”(Psalm 77:20 ^f). God cared for Israel like a shepherd cares for sheep. He guided and protected them through his chosen leaders. This reminds us that God’s guidance and care are great blessings for his people.

After remembering all these things, the psalmist’s fear disappears, and he finds peace and hope again. Just like Hannah, who prayed and then was no longer sad (1 Samuel 1:18 ^g), remembering God’s wonders brought him comfort.