Meaning of Psalms 77:11

This verse, Psalm 77:11, is a powerful declaration of intentional remembrance amidst distress. The psalmist, likely Asaph, is grappling with profound doubt and despair, evidenced by the preceding verses where he laments his sleepless nights and unanswered prayers (Psalm 77:2-10). In this moment of crisis, he actively chooses to shift his focus from his present suffering to the historical acts of God. This is not a passive recollection but a deliberate act of faith, a conscious effort to recall God's past faithfulness and mighty works as a source of hope and strength in the present. The "deeds of the Lord" and "miracles of long ago" refer to significant events in Israel's history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, which serve as tangible evidence of God's power and covenantal commitment.

Context and Background

Psalm 77 is a lament, a genre of prayer that expresses sorrow, distress, and a plea for divine intervention. The psalmist's internal struggle is palpable; he questions if God has forgotten him or if His compassion has ceased (Psalm 77:7-9). This personal crisis likely reflects a period of national hardship or individual spiritual dryness where the evidence of God's presence seems absent. The "long ago" miracles would immediately bring to mind foundational events like the parting of the Red Sea and the provision in the wilderness, which were central to Israel's identity and theology.

Key Themes and Messages

• Active Remembrance: The verse emphasizes the will to remember, highlighting that faith requires an active engagement with God's past actions. It is a conscious decision to recall and meditate upon divine faithfulness.
• Theological Reflection: The psalmist's act of remembering is not mere nostalgia; it is theological reflection. He is recalling God's character as revealed through His powerful deeds.
• Hope in Despair: By recalling past miracles, the psalmist finds a tether to hope in his present darkness. God's past actions are a promise of His future actions.
• Covenantal Faithfulness: The "deeds" and "miracles" underscore God's consistent commitment to His people, even when their circumstances suggest otherwise.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse offers a practical and profound spiritual discipline. In times of doubt, fear, or spiritual barrenness, believers are encouraged to actively recall God's past interventions in their lives and in biblical history. This practice anchors the soul in the unchanging nature of God, providing a stable foundation when present circumstances feel unstable. It's about building a reservoir of God's past faithfulness to draw from during present trials. This intentional remembering combats the tendency to focus solely on present difficulties and the temptation to believe that God has abandoned us.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Psalm 77:11 aligns with a recurring theme throughout Scripture: the importance of remembering God's redemptive acts. The Old Testament is replete with commands for Israel to remember the Exodus, the Passover, and other divine interventions (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:12; Joshua 24:5-7). This remembrance was not just a historical exercise but a vital component of their covenant relationship with God, reminding them of who He is and what He has done. In the New Testament, this theme culminates in the remembrance of Jesus Christ's life, death, and resurrection, particularly as observed in the sacrament of communion (Luke 22:19).

Analogies

• A Ship's Anchor: The act of remembering God's past deeds is like dropping an anchor in a stormy sea. While the waves (present troubles) crash around, the anchor (remembered faithfulness) holds the ship (the soul) steady.
• A Soldier's Training: A soldier who has undergone rigorous training can draw upon that learned skill and discipline when facing actual combat. Similarly, remembering God's past "battles" won for His people equips us to face our current challenges.
• A Family Photo Album: Looking through old family photos can bring back cherished memories, strengthen bonds, and remind individuals of their shared history and enduring love, even during difficult times.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 6:12: "then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This verse emphasizes the danger of forgetting God's deliverance, highlighting the importance of intentional recall.
• Joshua 24:5: "Then I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt by what I did in its midst. And afterward I brought you out." Joshua recounting the Exodus to the Israelites reinforces the communal act of remembering God's mighty acts.
• Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." Remembering God's past miracles provides concrete evidence for future hope, demonstrating faith in action.
• 1 Corinthians 11:24-25: When instituting the Lord's Supper, Jesus says, "“This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.”" This directly links remembrance of God's redemptive work to a central Christian practice.