Psalm 77
This Psalm reflects the struggle with Why God would let things go on as long and tragically as they do without giving any tokens of His interest and concern (H.C. Leupold). It reflects, Anguished perplexity over God s inaction, when He fails to respond to unceasing and urgent prayers. (Note in NIV Study Bible)
How would you describe the psalmist based on vv. 1-6?
1I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. 3I remembered you, O God, and I roaned;I mused, and my spirit grew faint. 4You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5I thought about the former days,the years of long ago; 6I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired.
In these verses, the psalmist expresses a deep state of despondency, and a sense that prayer didn’t help. He experienced inner weariness, loss of sleep, confusion, and depression.
The memory of the past (seen through his present despair) brought a tormenting comparison. His focus is on himself. Notice the repetition of “I” and “my “. Why aren’t things like they used to be? The Psalmist is doing a lot of inner searching.
How do vv. 7-9 reflect someone who is despondent?
7Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he never show his favor again? Has his unfailing love vanished forever? 8Has his unfailing love vanished forever?Has his promise failed for all time? 9Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?
We see in the psalmists extreme language his sense of being forgotten. He raises deep questions, and a sense of hopelessness. The attributes of God that once brought comfort now frustrate him.
Remember: Despondency has a way of selectively focusing on certain facts from life and conveniently overlooking others. (Dr. Russell Dilday)
What helped him get on the road to recovery? vv. 10-12
10Then I thought, To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High. 11I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12I will meditate on your works and consider all your mighty deeds.
He resolutely recalled the work of God in the past. Note the “I Wills” . The memories that once enervated him now begin to invigorate him. They provide strength instead of depriving him of strength. How does recalling the past work of God help in discouragement?
How do vv. 13-20 indicate that he is overcoming his depression?
13Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. 16The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed. 17The clouds poured down water, the skies resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth. 18Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. 19Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. 20You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
In these verses, the psalmist begins to bring God into proper focus. Praise is a sure step to recovery from despondency. (cf. Habakkuk 3) The focus of the psalmist is particularly on God’s deliverance of His people at the Exodus. Verse 13 reflects the song of praise and victory found in Exodus 15. The children of Israel were up against seemingly insurmountable obstacles with nowhere to flee from the chariots of Egypt. God allowed them to be on the brink of disaster, then He provided miraculous deliverance.
What action points should I follow when dealing with depression?
(See: Psalm 32:1-5,11; I John 1:9; Psalm 42:5-6; II Corinthians 4:8-9;16-18;Philippians 1:6; I John 3:1-2)
Two highly recommended resources: When God Doesn’t Answer your prayer, byJerry Sittser and A Grace Disguised, also by Jerry Sittser
Steve Cornell
