Psalm 77 Revisited

About a month ago, I wrote a post on Psalm 77. As I read through that passage this morning, a few things struck me. I'd like to share them with you. Let's look at the first nine verses.

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.

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.

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

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? Selah.

Does any of that sound familiar? Here's what I see so far in this passage. I'm troubled to the point of tears. I've tried to find the Lord, but I still feel all alone. I'm overwhelmed, and I can't sleep. I remember the happiness and joy I used to feel, but it's gone. Where is the Lord? Why won't He speak to me? Did He forget about me? Is He angry with me? Oh, I feel so confused and forsaken.

Anybody ever felt that way? I know I have. It's like we know all the right answers and all the proper steps, yet we just can't find comfort or joy. Let's look at the next three verses.

And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.

I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.

I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.

Wow! Now that's a change of attitude, isn't it? The psalmist says, "Things are bad, but no matter what I'm going through, I won't forget what the Lord has done for me. I will remember!" Not only does he remember, but he ponders it and tells others as well. Have you ever noticed that when you tell someone else about something, you get emotional about it? If the situation is bad, you get angrier the more you talk about it. Well, the same thing works when you tell others about God's goodness. The more you talk about it, the more excited you will become. Want proof? Read the rest of the chapter. Check out the new attitude of the psalmist who only minutes before was singing, "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen."

Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God?

Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people.

Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.

The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled.

The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad.

The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook.

Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known.

Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

So, the next time you're feeling down, here's a three-step plan for cheering you up:

1. Remember what God's done

2. Meditate on it for a little while

3. Go tell someone else

It worked for the psalmist. I'm sure it will work for us too!

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