What We Remember

What do you do when your worst day won’t lift? In deep distress, Asaph chose to remember the deeds of the Lord—and everything began to change.

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. … You are the God who works wonders” (Psalm 77:11–14).

Asaph faced deep problems. As he confessed in this psalm, this was “the day of my trouble” (v. 2). He was so perplexed that his “soul refuses to be comforted.” He was “so troubled that I cannot speak” (v. 4). As he battled this anguish, he cried out to God without holding back. He felt overwhelmed and distressed. Wondering if God had rejected him, he asked, “Will the Lord reject forever? And will He never be favorable again?” (v. 7 NASB)

But everything changed when Asaph began to remember all that God had done in his past and think about His wonderful deeds.

As Asaph discovered, something happens when we remember God’s deeds, read His Word, focus on Him and His changeless nature, and believe His promises. The challenges we face don’t seem hopeless when we realize that God is the God of miracles and wonders.

As long as we are fixed on our difficulties, they can seem insurmountable and dominate our minds and hearts. This is why we must remember to fill our lives with God’s Word and recount the many ways He’s answered prayer and blessed us in the past.

Don’t be crippled by the challenges and difficulties you face. Instead, pause and think about God’s faithfulness to you. Remember His many wonderful deeds. Start declaring truths from His unchanging Word. Let faith arise in your heart. Remember, you are serving the God of miracles and wonders.

Reflection Question: Instead of churning over problems, consider God’s promises.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Asaph, the author of Psalm 77?

Asaph was a chief musician David appointed to lead worship (1 Chronicles 16:4–5); twelve psalms bear his name. Several, like Psalm 77, are honest laments that move from anguish to renewed trust.

How does Psalm 77 model handling doubt and distress?

Asaph pours out raw questions—“Will the Lord reject forever?”—then deliberately turns to “remember the deeds of the LORD.” The psalm shows faith reorienting itself by recalling God’s past faithfulness.