SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE

Psalm 77:11-12

“Is the Bible relevant today?” Stories from hundreds of years ago, weird names, suuuuper long chapters. It doesn’t always feel relevant. But to read Scripture is another way for God to provide comfort, clarity, and wisdom. Scripture meditations like this one can help you figure out how to get started reading the Bible.

 

Everything Feels Heavy

The “Dark Night of the Soul” is a concept from a poem written by St. John of the Cross, a Spanish Monk in the 1500s. This term has since been commonly used to describe seasons of intense spiritual dryness, confusion, fear, and doubt.

Asaph, a writer of the Psalms, may have been experiencing a “dark night of the soul” when he wrote Psalm 77. He starts out, “I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted” (1-2).

If you find yourself in deep distress, feeling forgotten or rejected by God, you may be experiencing your own dark night. Yet still, Asaph interrupts his despair with a remembrance of God’s work and power. 

And we pray that as you continue to navigate your “night,” remembrance of God’s goodness might fill you with hope and comfort too.

Psalm 77:11-12

“11 I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will consider all your works and meditate on your mighty deeds.”

Observations from the Text

  • Remembrance can help us navigate spiritual despair
  • Not only can we remember what God has done for us, but we can also remember what God has done throughout history
  • Looking back, we can often see God’s mighty, outstretched hand covering our lives

Prayers of Response

Lord Who Hears My Cry, I’m in spiritual anguish about ________.

Present God, I feel scared, confused, alone, abandoned… I can’t see your hand or feel your presence.

Prayer Requests

Merciful Father, carry me through this dark night. Quiet my fear of _______, and let your light break over me.

I need relief, Lord. Remind me of your faithfulness to me and to those who have gone before me.

Prayers of Readiness

Miracle Worker, I will remember your miracles; I will remember your power. I remember when you _______.

Faithful God, I will remember your faithfulness; this dark night will not last forever. You are my joy and my salvation.

 

This page has our stockpile of Scripture meditations that we believe help us connect with God in our everyday lives. Check it out for more relevant explorations of biblical wisdom!

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™