Psalm 77 reminds me of how often people ask questions that are not designed to seek information or understanding. Very often questions are asked to close off discussion. Sarcasm, ridicule, or simple closed-mindedness are tools used to diminish or disregard information. This intentional smugness is easy as long as we are comfortable, safe and secure. During times of desperation people sincerely search for answers to hard questions. The psalm begins, “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord… my soul refused to be comforted“. He was clearly in a time of need, “I was too troubled to speak“. He seems to have sleepless nights, “I thought about… the years of long ago. I remembered my songs in the night… my spirit inquired“. In his troubled state, he wonders if God has abandoned him. “Will the Lord reject forever? Has His unfailing love vanished forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be merciful?” These questions are being asked with complete vulnerability before God. They are born of worry and need. “Has He in anger withheld His compassion?” I am certain that God’s compassion is beyond all measure and He does not limit His mercy based on our foolishness. God will not turn His back on you. Here is the hardest question of all, have you turned your back on God?
As the psalm continues, he begins to answers his own questions. “Then I thought… of the right hand of the Most High… I will remember the deeds of the Lord… miracles of long ago“. Two of the most important things we find in reading history are warnings to avoid pitfalls and encouragement for overcoming today’s obstacles. “I will meditate on all Your works… mighty deeds… Your ways, O God“. As followers of Christ, we do not clear our minds and focus on nothingness, we read and consider the truth found in His Word. I have heard so many people say, “God does not speak to me“. Really? What is playing on your car radio, I-pod, TV, computer and sitting on your night stand? Are you drowning out God’s truth? The psalmist concludes, “What god is so great as our God?” Who is it that sits at the right hand of God? Romans 8:34 gives us this promise, “Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us“.
The psalmist concludes, “You are the God who performs miracles… You redeemed Your people“. It is interesting that he adds, “the descendants of Jacob and Joseph“. Remember it was Jacob that wrestled with God, and Joseph was rejected by his brothers then sold into slavery. Later, it was Joseph that saved his brothers from famine explaining, “you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good… to save many people” (Genesis 50:20). Have you been wrestling against God? You cannot disqualify yourself from His mercy. The psalm ends with a reference to crossing the Red Sea out of captivity in Egypt. Notice, it was a violent and turbulent thing because Satan does not easily let go! “The waters saw You and writhed… The clouds poured down water… thunder… whirlwind… Your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled… Your path led through the sea“. Taking that step of faith was not easy, he adds, “Your footprints were not seen“. Crossing over required two things, the Egyptian army in hot pursuit and a leader showing them the way. “You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.” Are you desperate enough to trust God? Maybe you are a Moses to someone else? God will answer all that call out to Him in sincerity.