Psalms 77

1 For the end, for Idithun, a Psalm of Asaph. I cried to the Lord with my voice, yes, my voice [was addressed] to God; and he gave heed 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 mine affliction I earnestly sought the Lord; [even] with my hands by night before him, 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 rejoiced; I poured out my complaint, and my soul fainted. (Pause)

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

4 All mine enemies set a watch [against me]: I was troubled, and spoke not.

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

5 I considered the days of old, and remembered ancient years.

I think of the old days, years ago.

6 And I meditated; I communed with my heart by night, and diligently searched my spirit, [saying],

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

7 Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be well pleased no more?

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

8 Will he cut off his mercy for ever, even for ever and ever?

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

9 Will God forget to pity? or will he shut up his compassions in his wrath? (Pause)

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

10 And I said, Now I have 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 remember your 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 your works, and will consider your doings.

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

13 O God, your way is in the sanctuary; who is a great God as our God?

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

14 You are the God that do wonders; you have made known your power amongst the nations.

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

15 You have with your arm redeemed your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. (Pause)

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

16 The waters saw you, O God, the waters saw you, and feared; 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 [There was] an abundant sound of waters: the clouds uttered a voice; for your arrows went abroad.

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

18 The voice of your thunder was abroad, and around your lightnings appeared to the world; the earth trembled a quaked.

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

19 Your way is in the sea, and your paths in many waters, and your footsteps can’t be known.

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

20 You did guide your people as sheep by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

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