Studies in Psalms

“In the day of my trouble, I sought

the Lord”

Psalm 77

background

• Another psalm of AsaphTo the chief musicianTo Jeduthun – a musician of the tribe of Levite (1 Chron. 16:41-42, etc.)

Crying out to God (1-3)

• Typical psalm – opens with a prayer to God. Crying out loudly

• He gave ear to me“He will hear me” (NASU)

Crying out to God (1-3)

•Vs. 2 – a day of trouble. Trouble that does not seem to go away• Night and day• A soul that refuses comfort (cf. Jonah 4:1, Jer. 31:15, Job, etc.)

• Be careful in such times – DON’T blame or be bitter toward God!

Crying out to God (1-3)

•Vs. 2a & 3 – in that day he turns to the LordHe is disturbed and sighs (either at his thoughts of his bitter attitude OR his circumstance)

HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9)

•Vs. 4 – He cannot sleep for troubles. He doesn’t know what to say (cf. Rom. 8:26)

HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9)

•Vs. 5-6 – He considers the days of old, remembers. Learning from the past –cf. Rom. 15:4, 1 Cor. 10:11, etc.

HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9)

•Vs. 5-6 – He considers the days of old, remembers.

• Comfort in times of affliction Consider God’s goodness to His

people Remember your past experiences Self-examination Diligently study God’s word

(Spurgeon)

HAS GOD FORGOTTEN? (4-9)

•Vs. 7-9 – Contemplating God’s goodness• Will He cast us off forever?• Will He be favorable no more?• Has His mercy ceased forever?• Has His promise failed forever?• Has God forgotten grace?• Has He in anger shut up mercies?

No - NEVER!BUT, does Judah

deserve God’s rejection?Who is at fault?

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

•Vs. 10-15 – The greatness of God

• “This is my anguish” (“grief” – NASU)He acknowledges where the problem is – with him

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

• Coming to grips:•Vs. 10 – I will remember the

years of the right hand of the Most High. NOTE YEARS of His rule. Consider the big picture!

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

• Coming to grips:•Vs. 11 – Remember His

works and wonders. Cf. The Red Sea, plagues in Egypt, Mt. Sinai, the Jordan, Jericho, Gideon, David & Goliath, Elijah, etc.

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

• Coming to grips:•Vs. 12 – I will MEDITATE on

all Your work and talk of Your deeds. A time of serious contemplation (cf. Phil. 4:8, 1 Tim. 4:15, etc.)He will NEVER forsake Him!

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

• Coming to grips:•Vs. 13 – “Your was, O God, is

in the sanctuary.” The meeting place where God is present.Today, will we go where God is found? His word, His church, His people, His presence (prayer). Psa. 27:4, 63:2, 73:17

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

• Coming to grips:•Vs. 13 – There is none

greater than Him•Vs. 14 – He has declared

His strength.• Vs. 15 – He has redeemed

His people!

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

•Vs. 16-20 - Remembering God in the wilderness.

• Asaph appeals specifically to the Red Sea crossing. It was a memorable event (Josh. 2:10)

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

•Vs. 19 – “You way was in the sea.” “Your footsteps were not known” (Rom. 11:33)

•Vs. 20 – Israel was led like a flock by Moses and Aaron (through Him)

Remembering His deliverance (10-20)

This psalm ends abruptly.• Possible transition to next• In my mind, the psalmist realizes that God IS in control and he drifts off to sleep. Everything will be fine! (Jas. 5:13, 1 Pet. 5:7)

Are you seeking Him?