Tyndale Open Study NotesPsalms 77

The psalmist laments that God has turned away from him, even though he feels innocent. He reflects on his situation (Psalm 77:3, 6, 12) and finds hope (see 25:5) in remembering God's past actions (77:11).

The night provides a special opportunity for prayer and meditation (Psalms 77:6, 11; see 6:6; 16:7; 17:3; 30:5; 63:6; 119:55, 62, 148).

• I remembered You, O God: God's people often face hard times. Remembering God's powerful actions at the beginning of their relationship assures them of God's commitment.

• Feeling overwhelmed, the psalmist is unable to deal with the crisis (Psalms 142:3; 143:4).

As the psalmist meditates at night, he feels so disturbed that he cannot sleep or speak. He has pleasant memories of the past, but he cannot look beyond the present moment into the future.

The psalmist questions his status before God.

Feeling rejected (see Psalm 43:2), the psalmist asks if the situation is permanent.

The memories of God’s mighty works in the past fill the psalmist’s mind.

The psalmist is afraid that God's hand of protection (Psalm 44:3; 77:15; Exodus 6:6) and favor (Psalms 16:7–8; 110:1) are now against him for no clear reason.

This central section of the poem reflects on God as the holy and powerful redeemer.

the waters saw You and swirled: The Canaanites attributed divine power to the sea, but God is the one who made the sea and uses it for his own purposes.