< 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!
Unto the end. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph. I cried out to the Lord with my voice, to God with my voice, and he attended 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 days of my tribulation, I sought God, with my hands opposite him in the night, and I was not deceived. My soul refused to be consoled.
3 I thought about God, groaning loudly; I meditated on him, but I was discouraged. (Selah)
I was mindful of God, and I was delighted, and I was distressed, and my spirit fell away.
4 You stop me going to sleep; I'm so upset I can't even talk.
My eyes anticipated the vigils. I was disturbed, and I did not speak.
5 I think of the old days, years ago.
I considered the days of antiquity, and I held the years of eternity in my mind.
6 I remember the songs I sung in the night. I meditate and ask myself:
And I meditated in the night with my heart, and I was distressed, and I examined my spirit.
7 Has the Lord given up on me forever? Won't he ever be pleased with me again?
So then, will God reject for eternity? Will he not continue to allow himself to show favor?
8 Has his trustworthy love disappeared forever? Have his promises permanently ended?
Or, will he cut off his mercy in the end, from generation to generation?
9 Has God forgotten to be kind? Has he angrily slammed the door shut on his compassion? (Selah)
And would God ever forget to be merciful? Or, would he, in his wrath, restrict his mercies?
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, “Now I have begun. This change is from 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 was mindful of the works of the Lord. For I will be mindful from the beginning of your wonders,
12 I will think about all you have accomplished; I will think deeply about how you have acted.
and I will meditate on all your works. And I will take part in your intentions.
13 God, your ways are holy; is any god as great as you?
Your way, O God, is in what is holy. Which God is great like our God?
14 You are the God who does wonderful things! You have revealed your power to the nations.
You are the God who performs miracles. You have made your virtue known among the peoples.
15 Through your strength you saved your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. (Selah)
With your arm, you have redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and of Joseph.
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, and they were afraid, and the depths were stirred up.
17 The clouds poured rain down; the skies crashed with thunder; your lightning flew like arrows.
Great was the sound of the waters. The clouds uttered a voice. For your arrows also pass by.
18 Your thunder rumbled from the whirlwind; lightning flashes lit up the world; the earth quaked and shook.
The voice of your thunder is like a wheel. Your flashes have illuminated the whole world. The earth has quaked and trembled.
19 Your way led through the sea; your path passed through the deep sea; yet your footprints were invisible.
Your way is through the sea, and your paths are through many waters. And your traces will not be known.
20 You led your people like a flock, shepherded by Moses and Aaron.
You have conducted your people like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.