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!

For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph. My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for him to listen 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 I sought the Lord. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn’t get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.

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

I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed. (Selah)

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

You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled that I can’t speak.

5 I think of the old days, years ago.

I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

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

I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit diligently enquires:

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

“Will the Lord reject us forever? Will he be favourable no more?

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

Has his loving kindness vanished forever? Does his promise fail for generations?

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

Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he, in anger, withheld his compassion?” (Selah)

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

Then I thought, “I will appeal to this: 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 remember the LORD’s deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.

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

I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.

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

Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God?

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

You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known amongst the peoples.

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

You have redeemed your people with your arm, 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, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed.

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

The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around.

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

The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook.

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

Your way was through the sea, your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known.

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

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