Comfort for the Troubled
Have you ever felt great sadness in hard circumstances? In Psalm 77, we hear from a man experiencing sleeplessness and melancholy amid tough times. Let us look now at how he deals with the anguish in his heart?
The psalmist begins by relating how he is troubled and is unable to sleep (2,4). He cries out to God, earnestly seeking relief from the Lord (1-2). He wants God to give him relief from the situation He has ordained for him (2). He is confused by his troubles and why God does not help him (3). Yet, even amid disheartening difficulties, the psalmist’s faith remains strong.
The psalmist continues by acknowledging God’s sovereignty over his life, even his inability to sleep (4). As he meditates on his circumstances, he remembers his past times of joy and wonders why it seems God’s attitude toward him has changed (5-9). He mistakenly believes that God’s love is only shown in times of joy and blessing (8). As he meditates, he comes to understand that God has not changed, it is his grief that is colouring his perspective (10).
With this deeper understanding the psalmist reorients his focus off his circumstances and his feelings and instead meditates on the nature and works of God (11-12). He says God is incomparable (13), God is powerful (14), and God is merciful to save (15).
The psalmist continues his meditation on the power of God in delivering His people from Egypt through the Red Sea (16-19). The psalmist concludes by acknowledging that God is in control even when we cannot see Him physically (19).
He ends this psalm comforted that God is in control; and He loves and leads His people as their Great Shepherd through green pastures and dark valleys for His glory and their good (20).