Read Psalm 77
If you’re a fan, like me, of “The Chosen” television series about the life of Jesus and his followers, then you may remember this psalm from the last episode of Season 3. The depiction of Asaph presenting this psalm to King David was masterfully woven into the episode. I wanted to share some of my reflections on this psalm with you, as well as a few “spoilers” to connections seen in that final episode of the season.
Having just read the Book of Job together here on the blog makes this psalm even more powerful, doesn’t it? The psalmist is crying out to God from his despair much like I imagine Job did. As you read this psalm, imagine there is an acapella choir chanting eerily in the distance. At each “interlude” there is a break in the words for those voices to swell in lament and reverence to God.
What did you think of this psalm? Was there a line that spoke to you heart or jumped off the page like a warm blanket because it shared in your own lament or cry to God? There’s something about connecting with others having the very same problem or struggle. While it’s not the favored way to connect with other people, walking through a valley together, realizing you’re not alone, can be very comforting.
Some of the key moments for me in this psalm are when the psalmist said this:
“I am too distressed even to pray!” I know I’ve even called that out before God, asking the Spirit to pray for and through me. Thankfully, that sort of anguish or stress doesn’t happen often. But I can sure relate with the psalmist here. Can you?
“But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago.” Over the last several years, since God’s word has been teaching me so much about who God is and what he has done, I can relate to this as well. Shifting my thinking to God’s majesty rather than my own shortcomings or problems is so helpful. When I’m feeling deflated myself, I just look at what God is accomplishing in the world today and in all of history. He’s the one ruling in my heart, so I am redeemed and refreshed.
“Your thunder roared from the whirlwind.” Having just finished the book of Job, it was in the whirlwind, a tornado like event, that God spoke. His voice would have had to “thunder” to be heard over the whipping wind. Was the psalmist remembering Job’s experience? If the whirlwind represents our stress-filled lives, having God’s thunder booming means he is right there fighting our battles for us.
“Your road led through the sea, your pathway through the mighty waters— a pathway no one knew was there!” Imagine this line again, but picture Jesus walking on the water toward a boatful of his frightened followers, as if there was a “road” under the water. Picture mighty waves and wind calming to Jesus’ voice after rescuing a sinking Peter from the water. “Keep your eyes on me,” Jesus may have said. Peter had looked away. We often look away. The answer always lies before us when we keep our eyes on Jesus, the truth.
The Book of Psalms is one of those books of the Bible that provides wisdom, comfort, praise, and lament at just the right moment. This book has it all. I’d love to hear what your favorite psalm is over in our Devotions on the Go! Facebook group. You can join here and be sure to leave a comment on the “Psalms post.”
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for the beautiful promises we see in this psalm. We are definitely called to seek the Lord. I rejoice that you are always with me in the good and bad times. In those hard days, Lord, it is so awesome to know I can rely on you and your strength to get me through. Forgive me when I try to forge on ahead of you. I always feel so silly when I realized I’ve done that again. I know your love has no bounds and that I am redeemed. For that, I am grateful, and I am yours. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
