Psalm 77:4-9

Psalm 77:4-9

            You hold my eyelids open; 

      I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 

            5       I consider the days of old, 

      the years long ago. 

            6       I said, “Let me remember my song in the night; 

      let me meditate in my heart.” 

      Then my spirit made a diligent search: 

            7       “Will the Lord spurn forever, 

      and never again be favorable? 

            8       Has his steadfast love forever ceased? 

      Are his promises at an end for all time? 

            9       Has God forgotten to be gracious? 

      Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” 

The teenage refrain, “You have never loved me!”, usually in reply to a refusal of a foolish request, is a familiar,if hurtful, memory for parents. The absurdity of the exclamation is evident soon after the words leave their lips and they customarily slink away in remorse. Here, the psalmist Asaph, like a teenager, seems to seriously doubt the steadfast love of the Lord. It seems he temporarily forgot the meaning of the word steadfast. It means it never moves, like a tree in the ground, deeply rooted.

Of course Asaph knew better. Later on comes this remembrance in verse 13

I will remember the deeds of the LORD; 

       yes, I will remember your wonders of old. 

Let’s call it temporary insanity, much like we were as teenagers, because we were teenagers once. We know God loves us but there are times when we are in such sorrow and anguish that the words just come out. This is where the steadfast love of God is most glorious. Today, let us remember his deeds, love, compassion, and favor, and praise the Lord!

O Heavenly Father, forgive us when we lose sight of your glory in our anguish. Thank you that you already have. In Jesus’ name. Amen.