Psalms 77

Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with the psalmist crying out to God in his distress, feeling as though God has forgotten him (Psalms 77:1-3). He remembers the days when he used to cry out to God and God would answer, but now it seems like God is not responding (Psalms 77:4-6). The psalmist wonders if God's right hand has changed, if He has forgotten to be merciful, or if His promise has failed (Psalms 77:7-10). However, the psalmist then shifts his focus to remembering God's past works, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, which demonstrates God's power and faithfulness (Psalms 77:11-20). The chapter concludes with the psalmist affirming that God is his King, who leads His people like a flock, through the hand of Moses and Aaron (Psalms 77:20).

Context for the Chapter

Psalms 77 is part of the third book of Psalms, which is a collection of psalms that express the emotional struggles and spiritual triumphs of the psalmists. This chapter is likely written during a time of great distress, possibly during the Babylonian exile or a similar period of national crisis. The chapter is significant in the larger biblical narrative as it points to the character and faithfulness of God, which is fully revealed in Jesus Christ. The psalmist's decision to remember God's past works and affirm His faithfulness is a pattern that is repeated throughout the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

Heart Application

When facing distress and doubt, Christians can follow the psalmist's pattern of remembering God's past works and affirming His faithfulness. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His sovereignty and goodness. By doing so, believers can move from a place of doubt to a place of trust, just like the psalmist in Psalms 77.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Psalms 77 is a chapter that expresses the psalmist's emotional struggle with feeling forgotten by God during a time of great distress. The psalmist remembers God's past works and deeds, which ultimately leads him to affirm God's faithfulness and character. This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we face distress and doubt. As the psalmist says in Psalms 77:11, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."

Voices from the Church

“The remembrance of God's past mercies is a powerful antidote to the poison of distrust. When we are tempted to doubt God's faithfulness, we should recall His past deeds and wonders, and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the present.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The psalmist's decision to remember God's past works is a testament to the fact that God's character is not defined by human emotions or experiences, but by His own nature and Word. We should follow the psalmist's example and remember God's wonders of old, that we may trust in His faithfulness and goodness.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. Introduction to Distress (Psalms 77:1-3) — The psalmist cries out to God in his distress, feeling as though God has forgotten him. This introduction sets the tone for the rest of the chapter, which explores the psalmist's emotional struggle with feeling abandoned by God.
2. Questioning God's Faithfulness (Psalms 77:4-10) — The psalmist wonders if God's right hand has changed, if He has forgotten to be merciful, or if His promise has failed. This section expresses the psalmist's doubts and fears, which are common to the human experience.
3. Remembering God's Past Works (Psalms 77:11-15) — The psalmist decides to remember God's past works and deeds, which demonstrates God's power and faithfulness. This section is a turning point in the chapter, as the psalmist begins to focus on God's character and promises rather than his own emotions and experiences.
4. God's Power and Faithfulness (Psalms 77:16-20) — The psalmist remembers God's wonders of old, particularly the parting of the Red Sea, which demonstrates God's power and faithfulness. This section concludes the chapter, as the psalmist affirms God's faithfulness and character.
5. Conclusion (Psalms 77:20) — The psalmist affirms that God is his King, who leads His people like a flock, through the hand of Moses and Aaron. This conclusion summarizes the main theme of the chapter, which is the psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

Psalms 77 teaches that God is sovereign over all things, including human emotions and experiences. The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is a testament to this doctrine.

The Faithfulness of God

The psalmist ultimately affirms God's faithfulness, despite his feelings of abandonment. This doctrine is central to the chapter, as it points to God's character and promises.

The Importance of Remembering

The act of remembering God's past works and deeds is a powerful antidote to the poison of distrust. This doctrine is emphasized in the chapter, as the psalmist decides to remember God's wonders of old.

The Trustworthiness of Scripture

The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is based on his understanding of Scripture. This doctrine is implicit in the chapter, as the psalmist reflects on God's character and promises as revealed in Scripture.

Lessons from Psalms 77

1. The Importance of Emotional Honesty — The psalmist's emotional honesty is a pattern that Christians can follow when they face distress and doubt. This involves expressing one's true feelings to God, without fear of judgment or rejection.
2. The Power of Remembering — The act of remembering God's past works and deeds is a powerful antidote to the poison of distrust. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.
3. The Faithfulness of God — The psalmist ultimately affirms God's faithfulness, despite his feelings of abandonment. This doctrine is central to the chapter, as it points to God's character and promises.
4. The Trustworthiness of Scripture — The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is based on his understanding of Scripture. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His faithfulness and goodness.
5. The Importance of Community — The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is not made in isolation, but in the context of community. This involves seeking the support and encouragement of other believers, particularly during times of distress and doubt.

Themes from Psalms 77

1. Trust — The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is a central theme of the chapter. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His faithfulness and goodness.
2. Faithfulness — The psalmist ultimately affirms God's faithfulness, despite his feelings of abandonment. This doctrine is central to the chapter, as it points to God's character and promises.
3. Remembering — The act of remembering God's past works and deeds is a powerful antidote to the poison of distrust. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His sovereignty and goodness.
4. Distress — The psalmist's emotional struggle with feeling abandoned by God is a common experience for many believers. This theme is explored in the chapter, as the psalmist expresses his emotions and doubts.
5. Sovereignty — The psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness is a central theme of the chapter. This involves reflecting on God's character and promises, as revealed in Scripture, and trusting in His faithfulness and goodness.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some times when you have felt abandoned by God, and how did you respond?
2. What are some ways that you can remember God's past works and deeds, and how can this help you trust in His faithfulness?
3. How does the psalmist's decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness relate to your own life and experiences?
4. What are some doctrines or teachings that are emphasized in Psalms 77, and how can you apply these to your own life and faith?
5. How can you use Psalms 77 as a model for your own prayers and devotions, particularly during times of distress and doubt?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Psalms 77

	Sermon	Description
	(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Dealing With Spiritual Problems by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the passage from 2nd Timothy where the apostle Paul writes to his young coworker Timothy. Paul urges Timothy to stir up the gift of God that
	God Has Not Forgotten You by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his daughter's battle with brain cancer and how God delivered them through their darkest moments. He also recounts a powerful
	Hearts Set on Pilgrimage by Elisabeth Elliot	In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it ta
	Faith That Works by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being properly related to Jesus through faith. He explains that surrendering all and doing what we can afford to do is not
	The Wrath of Satan Shall Praise God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel. He emphasizes that when Jesus shows up, the game is over for the enemi
	Walking With the Wind by Manley Beasley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of actively seeking and accepting God's plan for our lives. He uses the story of Gideon and the 300 men to illustrate how God
	Setting Fire to Satan's Harvest by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 59 and the power of God to consume the wicked. He emphasizes the importance of righteous individuals in changing a nation and calls on
	The Heavenly Calling - Part 11 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God as the good shepherd and his relationship with his people. He references various passages from the Bible, including Psalms
	(Romans) God's Dealing With Israel Explained by Willie Mullan	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of coming to God and surrendering oneself to Him. He emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus and make Him the center of our lives
	The Healing Power of Afflictions by David Wilkerson	This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical exam

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Psalms 77

Matthew Henry's commentary on Psalms 77 emphasizes the psalmist's emotional struggle with feeling abandoned by God, and his ultimate decision to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Henry notes that the psalmist's cry for help is a pattern that Christians can follow when they face distress and doubt, and that the act of remembering God's past works is a powerful antidote to the poison of distrust. Henry also emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness and goodness, even when we face difficulties and challenges, and notes that this trust is rooted in God's character and promises as revealed in Scripture. Furthermore, Henry highlights the significance of the psalmist's decision to remember God's wonders of old, which demonstrates God's power and faithfulness, and encourages believers to follow the psalmist's example and trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?