Hope in times of Struggle
I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; and He gave ear to me. 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.— Psalm 77:1-2
Psalm 77 is a raw, honest cry from a heart in turmoil. The writer begins by pouring out his distress to God, wrestling with doubts and fears. He feels abandoned, questioning if God’s promises have failed. Yet, in the middle of his suffering, something changes—he shifts his focus. He begins to remember God’s mighty works and faithful deeds. In his remembering, he is once again filled with hope.
I can relate to this psalm on a deep personal level. Recently I was faced with some overwhelming uncertainties. My thoughts were consumed with wondering what was going to happen next and worry of the possible outcomes. The nights were the hardest—I would lie awake while fear tried to creep in continuously. I cried out to God, much like the psalmist did in today’s passage, but comfort seemed far away. I struggled to see beyond the current circumstance to discern what the Lord was doing in and through the situation,
Then one night, when I couldn’t hold back the tears any longer, I remembered times in the past when God had provided for me in impossible situations. I began to recount other times when His faithfulness carried me through. As I reflected on those moments, something shifted. My circumstances didn’t change overnight, but my heart did. I began to trust that the same God who had been faithful before would be faithful again. He showed me that He had peace and provision available for me today and when I got to tomorrow, there would be a supply of His peace there too.
Now when I am tempted to think about and worry over what could happen in the coming days, I use those thoughts to remind me that my Father in heaven has grace and peace for today and quickly step into that provision instead of letting fear of the unknown hold me in a state of anxiety and doubt. I thank my Father for what He is doing in the situations and remember that He has never let me down but always gives me the victory in Christ Jesus my savior.
There are some things to consider and help you when you are facing uncertain and trying times. But the first thing to do is always cry out to God. Follow the example of Psalms 77 and bring your pain, doubts, and questions to God. He is big enough to handle your raw emotions and invites you to come to Him just as you are. Set aside time to pray and journaling your thoughts can help to process your feelings.
Next, reflect on God’s faithfulness. When doubt and despair creep in, use those emotions to remind yourself to intentionally shift your focus to God’s past works in your life. Remember how He has answered prayers, provided, or comforted you in difficult times. Create a “faithfulness journal” where you list moments of God’s goodness in your life. Keep adding to it and revisit it when you feel overwhelmed.
You will also need to meditate on scripture. Psalm 77 highlights the importance of remembering God’s Word and promises. Let Scripture be your anchor during seasons of doubt. Memorize some verses that remind you of God’s faithfulness, such as Lamentations 3:22-23 or Romans 8:28.
Lastly, make sure to add worship during the anxious times: The writer of this psalms ends by declaring the greatness of God’s deeds. Worship has a way of lifting our eyes from our problems to His power. Play worship music or sing your favorite hymn, letting the words remind you of who God is and His power to save you from any crisis.
Today I want to encourage you when life feels overwhelming, remember that it’s okay to wrestle with God in your distress. But then think about the power of remembering His faithfulness and choosing to trust Him again. Just as He meets me in all my troubles, He will meet you too, bringing grace, peace, hope, and strength to carry on. You never have to go through your problems alone. He is always waiting for you to run into His arms of love and has provision for you as He walks with you to your victory.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 77
1 I cried out to God with my voice— To God with my voice; And He gave ear to me.
2 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.
3 I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah
4 You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.
5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.
6 I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, and my spirit makes diligent search.
7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more?
8 Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore?
9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah
10 And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
11 I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
12 I will also meditate on all Your work, and talk of Your deeds.
13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God?
14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples.
15 You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 The waters saw You, O God; The waters saw You, they were afraid; The depths also trembled.
17 The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed about.
18 The voice of Your thunder was in the whirlwind; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook.
19 Your way was in the sea, your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps were not known.
20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
The Daily Dose 