Psalms 77

1 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!

To the chief music-maker. After Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A Psalm. I was crying to God with my voice; even to God with my voice, and he gave ear to me.

2 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.

In the day of my trouble, my heart was turned to the Lord: my hand was stretched out in the night without resting; my soul would not be comforted.

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

I will keep God in memory, with sounds of grief; my thoughts are troubled, and my spirit is overcome. (Selah)

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

You keep my eyes from sleep; I am so troubled that no words come.

5 I think of the old days, years ago.

My thoughts go back to the days of the past, to the years which are gone.

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

The memory of my song comes back to me in the night; my thoughts are moving in my heart; my spirit is searching with care.

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

Will the Lord put me away for ever? will he be kind no longer?

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

Is his mercy quite gone for ever? has his word come to nothing?

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

Has God put away the memory of his pity? are his mercies shut up by his wrath? (Selah)

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

And I said, It is a weight on my spirit; but I will keep in mind the years of the right hand of the Most High.

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

I will keep in mind the works of Jah: I will keep the memory of your wonders in the past.

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

I will give thought to all your work, while my mind goes over your acts of power.

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

Your way, O God, is holy: what god is so great as our God?

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

You are the God who does works of power: you have made your strength clear to the nations.

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

With your arm you have made your people free, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah)

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

The waters saw you, O God; the waters saw you, they were in fear: even the deep was troubled.

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

The clouds sent out water; the skies gave out a sound; truly, your arrows went far and wide.

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

The voice of your thunder went rolling on; the world was flaming with the light of the storm; the earth was shaking.

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

Your way was in the sea, and your road in the great waters; there was no knowledge of your footsteps.

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

You were guiding your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.