The Cry of the Soul

In Psalm 77, Asaph is overwhelmed by Israel’s troubles and cannot find peace. He cries out to God and searches for Him, but cannot find Him. He wonders if God has abandoned him and his people. This isn’t complaint or griping; it is lament! To lament is to cry out, to wail, to outwardly demonstrate deep sorrow or regret. It is the cry of our soul.

In this psalm Asaph remembers how God led the Israelites out of Egypt through the Red Sea, how he cared for them in the wilderness, and how God's power and faithfulness comforts and renews hope. Before the psalm closes, Asaph resolves to trust in God's goodness, praise him regardless of his circumstances, and trusts God to guide and keep him safe.