The Bible — World English Bible
Psalm 77
In brief
Psalm 77, by Asaph, is born of anguish: the psalmist cries to God, refuses all comfort and cannot sleep. He asks painful questions: will God reject forever, is his goodness spent? At verse 11 the movement changes: he chooses to remember the works of the Lord, the sea opened and his people led like a flock by Moses and Aaron. The psalm shows a path, from complaint to memory, then to trust.
The chapter in 4 parts
1My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me.
2In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.
3I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed.
4You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled that I can’t speak.
5I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
6I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit diligently inquires:
7“Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favorable no more?
8Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations?
9Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?”
10Then I thought, “I will appeal to this: the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
11I will remember Yah’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.
12I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.
13Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God?
14You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.
15You have redeemed your people with your arm, the sons of Jacob and Joseph.
16The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed.
17The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around.
18The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook.
19Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known.
20You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Key verses
My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen to me.
The psalm begins with a cry addressed to God, before any answer. Praying sometimes means crying out first.
I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed.
Remembering God does not always console right away: here, the memory makes the psalmist groan. The psalm is honest about this reality.
Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations?
The psalmist's questions about God's goodness and word are carried into the prayer. The Bible makes room for doubt expressed before God.
I will remember Yah’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.
The change of course: the psalmist decides to remember God's works and to meditate on them. Memory becomes an act of faith.
You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
The psalm ends with the image of the shepherd: God led his people like a flock, through men, Moses and Aaron, in the midst of the sea.
Test your knowledge
Frequently asked questions about Psalm 77
What does the psalmist do when he thinks God has gone silent, in Psalm 77?
He cries to God, seeks the Lord, asks his questions without hiding them, then chooses to remember God's past works, notably the Red Sea. This change happens at verse 11. The psalm does not pretend the pain disappears, it shows where to anchor hope.
Who is Asaph, the author of Psalm 77?
Asaph was a Levite, a singer and musician appointed by David for the service of worship. Twelve psalms are attributed to him, including Psalm 50 and Psalms 73 to 83. Several of them, like Psalm 73, show the same path: an honest doubt that leads to renewed trust.
How can I pray or meditate on Psalm 77?
When you are going through a night of doubt, read verses 1 to 10 making them your own, without censoring yourself. Then move to verses 11 to 20, listing moments when God has already helped you. Say that list back to God in prayer. If it is hard, do it with someone you trust.
Articles quoting Psalm 77
World English Bible translation — public domain.