Psalms 77:12

Psalms 77:12 presents the psalmist's deliberate shift from despair to a renewed focus on God's power and faithfulness. After lamenting his deep distress and feeling abandoned by God in the opening verses of Psalm 77, the psalmist (likely Asaph) makes a conscious decision to recall and dwell upon the Lord's mighty acts.

Context

This verse marks a pivotal turning point in Psalm 77. The psalmist begins by crying out to God, feeling overwhelmed by sorrow and sleeplessness (Psalm 77:1-3). He questions God's faithfulness and wonders if God has forgotten to be gracious (Psalm 77:7-9). However, in verse 10, he declares, "I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High." Verse 12 then elaborates on this resolution, detailing the specific spiritual disciplines he will undertake: meditation and proclamation of God's deeds. This remembrance ultimately leads him to recount God's miraculous deliverance of Israel, especially the Exodus, in the latter half of the psalm.

Key Themes

• Intentional Remembrance: The verse highlights the active choice to remember God's past interventions. In times of trouble, it's crucial to shift focus from present difficulties to God's unchanging character and historical faithfulness.
• The Power of Meditation: "I will meditate also of all thy work" emphasizes the discipline of deep contemplation. This isn't superficial thought but a profound dwelling on God's nature and actions, allowing truth to penetrate and transform one's perspective. It's a spiritual exercise that strengthens faith and brings comfort.
• Proclamation and Testimony: "and talk of thy doings" moves from internal reflection to outward expression. The psalmist resolves not only to ponder God's works but also to articulate them. This act of speaking about God's deeds serves as a personal reinforcement of faith and a public testimony to His goodness and power.
• Overcoming Doubt: By intentionally focusing on God's past "work" and "doings," the psalmist finds a way to overcome the despair and doubt that initially gripped him, demonstrating a pathway for believers to navigate their own seasons of questioning.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "meditate" is hagah (הָגָה), which implies a deep, often verbal, rumination or contemplation. It can mean to mutter, muse, or ponder deeply, suggesting a thorough and internal processing of thoughts. This is not a passive activity but an engaged, deliberate mental and spiritual exercise. The terms "work" (ma'aseh - מַעֲשֶׂה) and "doings" (pe'ulah - פְּעֻלָּה) both refer to God's active accomplishments and interventions in history, particularly His acts of creation, providence, and salvation.

Practical Application

Psalms 77:12 offers a timeless strategy for navigating personal crises and strengthening faith. When faced with anxiety, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness, we are called to follow the psalmist's example:

• Cultivate a Habit of Remembrance: Deliberately recall instances of God's faithfulness in your own life and in biblical history. Keeping a gratitude journal or reflecting on answered prayers can aid this.
• Engage in Deep Meditation: Set aside time to ponder God's attributes, His promises, and His past acts of deliverance. This spiritual discipline can transform fear into faith, much like the blessed man who delights in and meditates on God's law day and night.
• Share Your Testimony: Don't keep God's goodness to yourself. Speaking of God's "doings" encourages others and reinforces your own faith. Just as one generation declares God's works to another, sharing your experiences can be a powerful witness.

This verse reminds us that active remembrance and communication of God's mighty "works" are vital spiritual disciplines that can anchor our souls and renew our perspective, even in the midst of profound distress.