“I will remember the deeds of ADONAI [the LORD]. Yes, I will muse about Your wonders of old. I will meditate also on all Your work and consider Your deeds.” Psalms 77:12-13 TLV
Do You Muse? The translators’ use of the word “muse” surprised me. Somehow when I think of that word, ethereal pictures appear in my mind with butterflies flitting from flower to flower.
Actually, the definition of muse is to be absorbed in thought or an instance or period of reflection. When I read chapter 77, this definition made sense.
To summarize, the psalm of Asaph is a reflection upon a very difficult time in his life.
In the day of my trouble I seek my Lord.
At night my hand stretches out untiringly.
My soul refuses to be comforted. (vs. 3, TLV)
Have you ever felt like that? A time when our soul refuses to be comforted? Honestly, there have been times when people tried to comfort me—and most likely God tried to comfort me through them—
but my soul was like stone and wouldn’t accept it.
Why would we not receive comfort?
“Will the Lord reject forever
and never again show favor?
Has His mercy vanished forever?
Has His promise come to an end forever?
Has God forgotten to be gracious?
Or has He in anger withdrawn his mercies?” (vss. 8-10, TLV)
The answer to that question—at least for me—is doubt. Not doubting the might of God but doubting His love for me.
Default Trigger
Many of us have what I call a “default trigger.” It’s the dark place we go to when something bad happens. Mine is betrayal. Somehow, I can mold just about any circumstance into either someone or God has betrayed me—let me down, not fulfilled a promise. As I said, it is a dark place.
For the writer of this psalm, his default sounds like doubt (see vss. 8-10).
Pulled from the Pit
What I love about this psalm is that the writer complains. But to whom does he complain? His LORD. Not to the neighbors or even the priests. He goes to the only One who can penetrate the hardened soul.
Over the years, I’m learned to recognize those betrayal triggers. Once I recognize them, I identify the lies either the enemy or I am telling myself.
For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful through God for the tearing down of strongholds. We are tearing down false arguments and every high-minded thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah—ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete. (Ephesians 6:4-6, TLV, Emphasis Mine)
We can and should take those false arguments and thoughts straight to our Messiah. The Light of His truth will evaporate them. Our soul will receive comfort and be content with the circumstances, even when our expectations aren’t met.
How? By remembering and gratitude. Think of all the blessings and miracles He has done for us, then think of the miracles He has done for thousands of years. The greatest miracle is our Father sending His Son to sacrifice His life to atone for our sins. It doesn’t get any greater than that.
And that’s why I love chapter 77. It’s the story of doubt and failure and crisis and what we might perceive as inconsolable sorrow to a story of hope and faith and breakthrough.
I will remember the deeds of ADONAI.
Yes, I will muse about Your wonders of old.
I will meditate also on all Your work
and consider Your deeds.”
O God, Your way is holy.
What god is great like God?
You are the God who works wonders.
You have made Your power known among the peoples.
With your arm You redeemed Your people,
the children of Jacob and Joseph. (vss.12-16, TLV, Emphasis Mine)
Are you in the midst of a crisis? Before we complain to others—which is not the same as asking for prayer—seek the LORD and complain to Him. 
It’s okay. He can handle it. Then choose to remember all He has done for us and through the centuries. Gratitude will begin to seep in and break up that inconsolable soul.
And, perhaps, one day there will be a journal entry where you muse about your story of wonder.
