Do you have a favorite psalm? My guess is that most folks would choose the 23rd Psalm, the Good Shepherd psalm. Others might pick Psalm 121 because of the assurance of the Lord's watchfulness over our lives. Psalm 1 is a favorite - it speaks of how the Lord brings growth in our new life in Christ. Psalm 51 is David's prayer of repentance, a psalm we can all relate to.
Psalm 77 has become a favorite of mine. As I read along, I sometimes feel as though Asaph, who served as a temple choir director, was reading my mind. The psalm is very personal. Asaph asks the question that Jesus would later cry out from the cross: "Why, O God, have You forsaken me?" This is the most personal of questions.
Asaph doesn't offer specifics, only that he must be dealing with some very personal problems. As he looks at his present circumstances, he wonders if God has abandoned him. He simply can't believe that God would "reject forever...never show His favor...forgotten to be merciful...withheld His compassion?" (verses 7-9)
Then a beautiful shift in attitude and thinking takes place in 77:10. Rather than continuing to dwell on his present problems, Asaph begins to think about and meditate upon the Lord's mighty deeds from the past. As he does so he is comforted and his faith is strengthened. He remembers that God is "holy...performs miracles...redeemed Your people."
Asaph realizes that God has not abandoned or forsaken him. Notice 77:19: "Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen." Asaph might not have seen God but He could trust in the Lord's promise that He is near to His people (see Deut. 31:6).
Does it seem that God has forgotten you? Are you wondering if God has withdrawn His grace from you? Read Psalm 77. Read it again if you have to. Asaph knows how you feel. He knows something else - you can trust the holy God. He has redeemed and saved you from sin, death and the devil. He won't stop being your loving Lord and Savior.
