Psalms 77

1 Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of Asaph. I cried to the Lord with my voice; to God with my voice, and he gave ear to me.

For Jeduthun, the music director. A psalm of Asaph. I cry out to God for help—I even shout. If only he would listen to me!

2 In the day of my trouble I sought God, with my hands lifted up to him in the night, and I was not deceived. My soul refused to be comforted:

When I was in trouble I prayed to the Lord. All night long I stretched out my hands to him in prayer but nothing brought me any comfort.

3 I remembered God, and was delighted, and was exercised, and my spirit swooned away.

I thought about God, groaning loudly; I meditated on him, but I was discouraged. (Selah)

4 My eyes prevented the watches: I was troubled, and I spoke not.

You stop me going to sleep; I'm so upset I can't even talk.

5 I thought upon the days of old: and I had in my mind the eternal years.

I think of the old days, years ago.

6 And I meditated in the night with my own heart: and I was exercised and I swept my spirit.

I remember the songs I sung in the night. I meditate and ask myself:

7 Will God then cast off for ever? or will he never be more favourable again?

Has the Lord given up on me forever? Won't he ever be pleased with me again?

8 Or will he cut off his mercy for ever, from generation to generation?

Has his trustworthy love disappeared forever? Have his promises permanently ended?

9 Or will God forget to shew mercy? or will he in his anger shut up his mercies?

Has God forgotten to be kind? Has he angrily slammed the door shut on his compassion? (Selah)

10 And I said, Now have I begun: this is the change of the right hand of the most High.

Then I said, “This is what hurts me the most: the Most High doesn't treat me the way he used to.”

11 I remembered the works of the Lord: for I will be mindful of thy wonders from the beginning.

I remember what you have done, Lord; I remember all the wonderful things you did long ago.

12 And I will meditate on all thy works: and will be employed in thy inventions.

I will think about all you have accomplished; I will think deeply about how you have acted.

13 Thy way, O God, is in the holy place: who is the great God like our God?

God, your ways are holy; is any god as great as you?

14 Thou art the God that dost wonders. Thou hast made thy power known among the nations:

You are the God who does wonderful things! You have revealed your power to the nations.

15 With thy arm thou hast redeemed thy people the children of Jacob and of Joseph.

Through your strength you saved your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah)

16 The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee: and they were afraid, and the depths were troubled.

When the waters saw you, God, when they looked they trembled! Yes, they shook down to the very depths!

17 Great was the noise of the waters: the clouds sent out a sound. For thy arrows pass:

The clouds poured rain down; the skies crashed with thunder; your lightning flew like arrows.

18 The voice of thy thunder in a wheel. Thy lightnings enlightened the world: the earth shook and trembled.

Your thunder rumbled from the whirlwind; lightning flashes lit up the world; the earth quaked and shook.

19 Thy way is in the sea, and thy paths in many waters: and thy footsteps shall not be known.

Your way led through the sea; your path passed through the deep sea; yet your footprints were invisible.

20 Thou hast conducted thy people like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

You led your people like a flock, shepherded by Moses and Aaron.