Psalm 77:1-20
Q.1. Who was the author of the Psalm? Why could Asaph find no relief? Why did his thoughts about God leave him confused? Where did he look for and find comfort? – (Ps.77:1-20)
Jeduthun and Asaph were Levites whom David had assigned to give thanks and praise the Lord, through prophesy. (Introduction to Ps.77 c.f. 1 Chron.6:31-39; 25:1-3). The Psalm was written during a time of chastisement of God’s people. The Psalmist could find no relief (Ps.77:1-6). This led him to ask – 7 Will the Lord reject forever? Will He never be favourable again? 8 Has His lovingkindness ceased forever? Has His promise come to an end forever? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious, or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion? (Ps.77:7-9). All of us can experience such a sense of alienation, caused by the reversals of life brought on by broken relationships, financial ruin, or ongoing health issues. In his despair, Asaph even questioned whether God had changed (Ps.77:10). We also may feel like this when God takes time to answer our prayers. The Psalmist then stepped beyond his feelings to the history of God’s faithfulness – 11 I shall remember the deeds of the Lord; Surely, I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will meditate on all Your work and muse on Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples. 15 You have by Your power redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph (Ps.77:11-15). He recalled the awesome interventions of God in the past and concluded – You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron (Ps.77:20). Whenever we can no longer see God, we must go back to Scripture where He did make Himself known. There we see how He always acts for our good.