In Psalm 77, an individual lament, the psalmist (probably Asaph) prays about a severe trial. In distress, he cannot sleep.
His struggles lead to questions:
"Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up compassion?" (vv 7-9)
Pondering these questions, he thinks back on all that he knows about God, and is assured that all the questions have negative answers. Based on God's track record as Creator and faithful Deliverer, he knows that he is safe in God's hands (vv 11-20).
In the next psalm, number 78, Asaph emphasizes the importance of rehearsing God's mighty works from the past for future generations, "so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments" (verse 7). Psalm 77 gives an example of Psalm 78:7. The psalmist sets his hope in God by remembering God's great works.
Note added Oct 13, 2022: For further reflections on Psalm 77 from biblical scholar Richard Middleton, see this blog post and its links.
