In the Day of My Trouble

Troubles Will Come

This psalm is about trouble.

Good people—even God’s people—will experience trouble.

Troubles are Trials not Verdicts

Asaph is credited with writing this psalm. He is one of three chief musicians appointed by David to lead worship. (1 Chronicles 16:39)

In the first verse of this Psalm, Asaph declares the conclusion before unfolding the conflict.

Psalm 77:1 NKJV

I cried out to God with my voice—To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.

In literature, this style is called a “frame story”, a story that begins with an ending moment in the story, and then flashes back in time to reveal how this moment came to be.

The rest of the psalm describes how Asaph’s journey from trouble to triumph unfolded.

The Ending Frame: God hears the cry of His people in the day of trouble.

The Beginning Frame: We must cry out to God for His solution when the trouble begins.

Trouble Turns Us to God

Psalm 77:2 NKJV

In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord; My hand was stretched out in the night without ceasing; My soul refused to be comforted.

Trouble causes us to realize we need the help that only God can give.

Seeking the LORD causes us to search for His mind and will amid the trouble.

Is there a cause?

Is there a purpose?

Is God trying to tell me or show me something?

Is God trying to prepare me for something?

Troubling Questions

As Asaph thought upon his trouble, he asked the question, “Why?”.

Psalm 77:3–9 NKJV

I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, The years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah

We too ask questions in our day of trouble:

Why had God allowed this?

Why didn’t God stop this?

Why doesn’t God help me?

Why doesn’t God see and care?

Why doesn’t God keep His promise?

If God has turned against me, then what else can I do? Who has resisted God’s will and prevailed?

From Trouble to Triumph

Chess: Everyone who plays chess gets into troubling situations. Good players learn how to turn trouble into triumph.

Life: Everyone in life gets into troubling situations. Overcomers learn how to turn trouble into triumph.

Remember God’s Works, Wonders, and Ways

Psalm 77:10–19 NKJV

And I said, “This is my anguish; 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, And talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about. The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known.

Asaph reflected on the troubles faced by his forefathers in the past to gain perspective and insight for the present.

Asaph reflected upon God’s miracles in the time of the Exodus and in the wilderness.

Asaph reflected upon God’s ways. His ways reveal His character

Psalm 77:13 NKJV

Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?

Isaiah 55:8–9 NKJV

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.

Recall and Thank God for what He did Yesterday!

The testimonies of others

Your own testimonies of God’s intervention.

Trust in God’s Faithfulness Today!

He is faithful to lead you

Psalm 77:20 NKJV

You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

He will never leave or forsake you

Matthew 28:20 NKJV

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

He has promised you ultimate victory

John 16:33 NKJV

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

He is working all things—even your troubles—together for your good and His glory!

Romans 8:28 NKJV

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

James 1:2–3 NKJV

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.

Response to the Word

Don’t be surprised by troubles.

Don’t be overwhelmed by troubles.

Cry out to God in the day of trouble.

Turn your focus from the problem to the Problem-Solver.

Recall and thank God for what He has done in the past.

Renew your faith in what God can do today.

Trust in God’s sovereign purpose, plan, and abiding presence.