Keller, Walter E.

English

Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University ValpoScholar Walter E. Keller's Devotional Studies of Psalms University Archives & Special Collections 2001 Psalm 77: To the choirmaster: According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph Walter E. Keller Follow this and additional works at: https://scholar.valpo.edu/kellerpsalms This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the University Archives & Special Collections at ValpoScholar. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walter E. Keller's Devotional Studies of Psalms by an authorized administrator of ValpoScholar. For more information, please contact a ValpoScholar staff member at scholar@valpo.edu. 1  Psalm 77 To the choirmaster: According to Jeduthun.  A Psalm of Asaph (RSV)           The Psalmist cries out in anguish over some unspecified disaster. Jesus cried out in anguish in the garden of Gethsemane. This Psalm gives words to Christians who also want to cry out in anguish to God.      1 I cry aloud to God,          aloud to God, that he may hear me.      2 In the day of my trouble I seek the Lord;           in the night my hand is stretched out without wearying;             my soul refuses to be comforted.     3 I think of God, and I moan;           I meditate, and my spirit faints.       Selah      The Psalmist is deeply perplexed, despairing that God’s right hand seems no longer powerful (or favorable). Jesus on the Cross felt abandoned by God. Christians are frequently tempted to cry out in despair of God’s power and love.     4 You keep my eyelids from closing;           I am so troubled that I cannot speak.     5 I consider the days of old,           and remember the years of long ago.    6 I commune with my heart in the night;           I meditate and search my spirit:     7 “Will the Lord spurn forever,           and never again be favorable?   8 Has his steadfast love ceased forever?           Are his promises at an end for all time?   9 Has God forgotten to be gracious?          Has he in anger shut up his compassion?”     Selah       10 And I say, “It is my grief           that the right hand of the Most High has changed.”        2  The Psalmist then recalls the goodness of God’s mighty deeds of old. Jesus repeatedly found strength and consolation from the Old Testament. Christians live by what God in Christ accomplished in the past to give us a hope for the future.     11 I will call to mind the deeds of the LORD;           I will remember your wonders of old.     12 I will meditate on all your work,           and muse on your mighty deeds.     13 Your way, O God, is holy.           What god is so great as our God?     14 You are the God who works wonders;           you have displayed your might among the peoples.   15 With your strong arm you redeemed your people,          the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.      Selah      God’s preeminent deliverance occurred in Israel’s passing though the Red Sea. Jesus was led by his Father through the waters of his baptism. Christians follow Christ through the earth-shaking, recreating sacrament of baptism.     16 When the waters saw you, O God,           when the waters saw you, they were afraid;           the very deep trembled.     17 The clouds poured out water;           the skies thundered;           your arrows flashed on every side.     18 The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind;           your lightnings lit up the world;           the earth trembled and shook.     19 Your way was through the sea,           your path, through the mighty waters;           yet your footprints were unseen.   20 You led your people like a flock           by the hand of Moses and Aaron.     Prayer to accompany Psalm 77:  Heavenly Father, by signs and wonders you established your ancient covenant, and through the sacrifice of your Son you confirmed the new covenant yet more wondrously.  Guide your Church to the land of promise, that there we may celebrate your name with lasting praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.  

Psalm 77: To the choirmaster: According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph

https://scholar.valpo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1078&context=kellerpsalms

Psalm 77: To the choirmaster: According to Jeduthun. A Psalm of Asaph

Abstract

Similar works

Full text

Available Versions

Valparaiso University