Finding God When Life Feels Hopeless (Psalm 75-77)
Have you ever asked where God is in your pain? Psalm 77 shows how remembering God's past faithfulness can restore hope in your darkest moments.
Psalm 75-77
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Have you ever looked at difficult circumstances in your life and asked, Where is God?
Psalm 77 starts on a somber note. As The New International Commentary says, “The prayer begins as a prayer for help, then moves to the distress of remembering, then to questions, then back to contemplation. But slowly the thoughts here are transformed from ones of pain to ones of wonder, and finally these thoughts give way to a hymn to the God of creation.”[1]
The psalmist says in verses 1-3, 1 “I cry aloud to God, aloud to God, and he will hear me. 2 I sought the Lord in my day of trouble. My hands were continually lifted up all night long; I refused to be comforted. 3 I think of God; I groan; I meditate; my spirit becomes weak.” He goes on to ask in verses 7-9, 7 “Will the Lord reject forever and never again show favor? 8 Has his faithful love ceased forever? Is his promise at an end for all generations? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”
It's hard to overstate the depth of these concerns. Notice the definitive language the psalmist uses when he says “forever.” His despair is so great that he feels God has completely abandoned him. This is what loss of perspective does. It moves us from saying “life is bad” to saying “life is hopeless.”
However, as Derek Kidner notes, “verse 10 is the turning point.”[2] For the next three verses, the psalmist shifts his perspective. 10 “So I say, ‘I am grieved that the right hand of the Most High has changed.’ 11 I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 12 I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions.”
From there, the psalmist goes on to speak to God’s faithfulness. In verses 13-14, he says, 13 “God, your way is holy. What god is great like God? 14 You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples.” And for the following verses, he worships God for his goodness and recalls the many ways he has been faithful in the past. Only through remembering God’s goodness in the past does he have confidence in the present.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Lord, I praise you for your mighty works and wonders throughout history. Your power and majesty are beyond compare, and your deeds inspire awe in my heart. I am grateful for your presence in times of trouble and distress.
Release | Lord, I release my doubts and fears that arise in moments of hardship. Help me let go of the despair that clouds my vision of your faithfulness. I surrender my need for immediate answers and trust in your perfect timing.
Ask | Lord, please give me the strength to remember your past faithfulness when I face trials. Help me to meditate on your miracles and your power in my life. Give me the courage to cry to you and seek your comfort and guidance.
Yield | Lord, I yield my heart to your sovereignty and trust in your unwavering love. I rest in the assurance that you hear my cries and are always near. I commit to praising you even in the midst of my struggles, knowing you are my deliverer.
