Psalm 77, From Despair to Hope

In the December 2, 2024, issue of Christianity Today, Caresse Spencer shares how she destroyed her faith in pursuit of her “best life” during the pandemic.

With her life falling apart and her faith crumbling, Careese said she typed a two-word expletive, cursing God, and resigned from Christianity.

She recounted how she began questioning everything in traditional Christianity, from her doctrinal beliefs to her sexuality to her lifestyle. With that, she said she started on a “world tour” that led to a path of decadence and debauchery. “I said yes to everything I had once denied myself and believed I had found freedom,” Careese recalls.

At first, she said it “felt exhilarating.” Eventually, she admitted that she found herself feeling anxious, empty, alone, scared, and lost. She said that she became unsatisfied with her life and was left with “no God, no faith, no love, no peace.”

The story, however, has a happy ending, in which, with the help of a friend and her sister, Careese rediscovered her faith and found her way back in a relationship with the Lord.

Though not as extreme, our passage today finds Asaph in a similar situation as he cries out to God. Note the progression of Asaph’s spiritual journey.

First, Asaph begins feeling despair, vs. 1-9.

He finds himself troubled, unable to be comforted, and overwhelmed. He moaned, and his spirit fainted. In his despair, he questioned God’s promises and provisions with these six questions.

• Has He rejected us?
• Will He ever again show favor to Israel?
• Has His unfailing love vanished forever?
• Have His promises failed?
• Has He forgotten to be gracious?
• Is He so angry that He has shut up His compassion?

In times of emotional, mental, and spiritual anguish, have you ever felt that way? Has sickness, sorrow, or death led you to question God? Has the betrayal of a friend, the rejection of a child, or the unfaithfulness of a spouse affected your faith? Have financial reversals, personal failures, or family misfortune left you doubting God’s graciousness and blessings?

If so, you’re not alone. You join a great company of Believers who have struggled with their faith in times of distress, dejection, and despair. Sadly, too many never move out of that desolate pit. Asaph reminds us to keep searching for answers and seeking God.

Secondly, Asaph makes a conscious decision, vs. 10-12.

While admitting his anguish, he says…

But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
I will remember the works of the Lord;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will also meditate on all Your work,

When times are tough and our spirits are low, there is a tendency to forget the good days, God’s goodness, and our many blessings. Descending into a life of unbelief and unbridled rebellion is not the answer. Even in your despair, decide not to succumb to your worst impulses.

Do what Asaph did. Pray. Remember. Meditate. Seek God.

Thirdly, Asaph found Deliverance, vs. 13-20.

This prominent prophet, psalmist, poet, and worship leader, moved from darkness to light. From anguish to assurance. From distress to peace. From haunting questions to divine answers. From weakness to strength. From faltering to faith.

While he wrestled with the echo of doubt that revealed his vulnerability and feelings of abandonment, Asaph recalls God’s mighty deeds, His extraordinary wonders, His marvelous miracles, and redemptive works. His remembrance of God’s power, providence, and presence provides reassurance, comfort, and hope for a brighter day and a better tomorrow.

Allow your memory, not only from the vivid Biblical images of God’s grace, mercy, and love, but in your own life, to be a source of encouragement, help, and hope.

Like Asaph of old, we may find ourselves crying in despair, but we can also choose to see that blessed assurance that unburdens the mind, soothes the soul, and calms our emotions.

As you transition from despair to hope, Eugene Peterson’s advice is helpful. “Memory is the tool we are given for connecting the past with the future. The act of remembering God’s works saves us from being trapped in the tyranny of the present moment.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman