Finding Hope in Remembrance: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Psalm 77

Executive Summary

Psalm 77, a poignant lament, captures the agonizing struggle of faith in the face of overwhelming adversity. The psalmist grapples with profound doubt, questioning God’s unwavering love and power amidst apparent suffering. It is a journey of the soul from despair to tentative hope, fuelled by the deliberate act of remembering God’s past faithfulness. Through intense reflection, the psalmist recalls the miraculous deeds of the Exodus, reawakening a dormant trust in God’s unchanging nature. This psalm teaches us the crucial spiritual practice of anamnesis – remembering God’s works as a pathway to renewed faith, especially when we are overshadowed by hardship. This potent practice, a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox spirituality, offers a powerful antidote to despair and a beacon of hope even in the darkest times. We can “Finding Hope in Remembrance” as the Psalm 77 tells us to do.

Introduction: The depths of despair can feel like an endless night, a silence where God’s voice seems lost. Psalm 77, a cry from the heart, invites us to confront this very darkness. It is a testament to the power of memory, a reminder that even in the midst of suffering, the past can illuminate the path towards hope and renewed faith.

Commentary on Psalm 77

Psalm 77:1 (KJV): I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me.
Psalm 77:1 (NKJV): I cried out to God with my voice—To God I cried out; And He gave ear to me.

The psalm opens with a desperate cry. The repetition of “unto God with my voice” emphasizes the intensity of the psalmist’s plea. This is not a passive supplication, but an active, heartfelt pouring out of the soul. In our own lives, we must cultivate this persistent prayer. Saint Athanasius reminds us, “Δεῖ προσεύχεσθαι ἀδιαλείπτως, καὶ μὴ ἐκκακεῖν” (“We must pray without ceasing, and not lose heart,” *On Virginity*, 12). The Coptic Orthodox tradition emphasizes the importance of unceasing prayer, not merely as a ritual, but as a constant communion with God.

• Practical Application: When overwhelmed, don’t suppress your emotions. Bring them before God in fervent prayer.

Psalm 77:2 (KJV): In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.
Psalm 77:2 (NKJV): 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.

Here, the psalmist acknowledges the persistence of his suffering. The phrase “my sore ran in the night” suggests a deep, unremitting wound, both physical and spiritual. He actively seeks God, but finds no solace. Often, we too, experience this feeling of abandonment, where our prayers seem to bounce back unanswered. This reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the perseverance of trust amidst doubt. St. Isaac the Syrian wrote, “Μὴ θαυμάσῃς, ἐὰν δοκιμάσῃς ἐκ τοῦ Θεοῦ· διὰ τοῦτο γὰρ γίνεται, ἵνα φανερωθῇ ἡ ὑπομονή σου” (“Do not be surprised if you are tested by God; for this happens so that your endurance may be revealed,” *Ascetical Homilies*, 5).

• Practical Application: Embrace the “dark night of the soul.” It is in these trials that our faith is refined and strengthened.

Psalm 77:3 (KJV): I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.
Psalm 77:3 (NKJV): I remembered God, and was troubled; I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah

This verse is jarring. The psalmist remembering God actually *increases* his trouble. This highlights the complex relationship between suffering and faith. Remembering God’s promises can be painful when those promises seem unfulfilled. The “Selah” invites us to pause and reflect on this paradox. The location where the Psalm was composed could be related to the many Jewish settlements in Ancient Egypt. Remembering could bring the pain of Exile.

• Practical Application: Acknowledge the validity of your doubts. Don’t be afraid to wrestle with God.

Psalm 77:4-9 (KJV): Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search. Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.
Psalm 77:4-9 (NKJV): You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night; I meditate within my heart, And my spirit makes diligent search. Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah

The psalmist is consumed by doubt. He is kept awake, tormented by questions about God’s faithfulness. He recalls “the days of old,” attempting to find comfort in past experiences. However, the memory only fuels his anxieties. He is engaged in a profound internal struggle, desperately seeking answers. The constant questioning “Will the Lord cast off forever?” reflects a deep fear of abandonment, a fear that resonates with many who experience prolonged suffering. This section displays the profound spiritual perplexity of the human condition. The Coptic Orthodox tradition emphasizes the concept of *theosis*, union with God. However, this union is not without struggle. It requires a constant turning towards God, even when we are wrestling with doubt and despair.

• Practical Application: Engage in honest self-reflection. Confront your doubts and fears, but do so within the context of prayer and Scripture.

Psalm 77:10 (KJV): And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.
Psalm 77:10 (NKJV): And I said, “This is my anguish; But I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”

A crucial turning point. The psalmist recognizes that his doubt is “my infirmity,” a weakness. He chooses to actively “remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.” This is a conscious decision to shift his focus from his present suffering to God’s past faithfulness. This act of remembrance, of *anamnesis*, is central to the Coptic Orthodox understanding of salvation. We are saved not just by a historical event, but by a continual participation in that event through memory and sacrament. The term “right hand” symbolizes God’s power and authority. This indicates that he will choose to seek God’s strength.

• Practical Application: Combat doubt with intentional acts of remembrance. Reflect on times when God has been faithful in your life.

Psalm 77:11-15 (KJV): I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings. Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah.
Psalm 77:11-15 (NKJV): I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. I will also meditate on all Your work, And talk of Your deeds. Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary; Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the peoples. You have with Your arm redeemed Your people, The sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah

The psalmist is focusing on remembering the “works of the Lord,” particularly the wonders of the Exodus. He meditates on God’s power and faithfulness in delivering His people from slavery. This is a vivid reminder of God’s active intervention in history. This redemption from slavery can be likened to our redemption through Christ. The Exodus narrative is a prefigurement of the salvation offered through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. The “arm” of God symbolizes His power and authority. This passage is infused with praise and adoration.

• Practical Application: Study Scripture and learn about God’s historical faithfulness. Let these stories inspire hope in your present circumstances.

Psalm 77:16-20 (KJV): The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.
Psalm 77:16-20 (NKJV): The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You; they were afraid; The depths also trembled. The clouds poured out water; The skies sent out a sound; Your arrows also flashed. The voice of Your thunder was in the heavens; The lightnings lit up the world; The earth trembled and shook. Your way was in the sea, Your path in the great waters, And Your footsteps were not known. You led Your people like a flock By the hand of Moses and Aaron.

The psalm concludes with a powerful description of God’s intervention in the Exodus. The waters of the Red Sea parted in fear, the skies thundered, and the earth trembled. This is a vivid portrayal of God’s awesome power. The phrase “Thy footsteps are not known” acknowledges the mystery of God’s ways. We may not always understand His plans, but we can trust in His sovereignty. He has and will lead us even when we cannot understand what we’re going through.

• Practical Application: Trust in God’s power and sovereignty, even when His ways are mysterious. Remember that He led His people through the Red Sea, and He can lead you through any difficulty.

The Significance of Anamnesis (Remembrance) in Coptic Orthodox Spirituality

The act of remembering God’s deeds, known as *anamnesis*, is a cornerstone of Coptic Orthodox spirituality. It is far more than simply recalling past events. It is a living participation in those events, a way of making them present and effective in our lives.

• Liturgical Remembrance: In the Divine Liturgy, we remember Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, making them present and active in our midst.
• Personal Remembrance: Daily prayer and meditation on Scripture allow us to remember God’s faithfulness in our own lives.
• Historical Remembrance: Remembering the lives of the saints inspires us to emulate their virtues and persevere in our faith.
• Remembering in Times of Trouble: Psalm 77 teaches us to actively remember God’s past faithfulness when we are facing difficulties.
• Anamnesis as a Weapon against Despair: By focusing on God’s power and love, we can combat feelings of hopelessness and despair.
• The Power of Testimony: Sharing stories of God’s faithfulness with others strengthens our faith and encourages others to trust in Him.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why is it so difficult to remember God’s goodness when I’m suffering?
A: Suffering often clouds our perception and distorts our memory. Pain and fear can make it difficult to see God’s hand at work. It’s a natural human response, but it requires conscious effort to redirect our focus.

Q: How can I cultivate a practice of remembrance in my daily life?
A: Start by setting aside time each day for prayer and Scripture reading. Keep a journal to record instances of God’s faithfulness in your life. Share your experiences with others, and listen to their testimonies.

Q: What if I can’t remember any specific instances of God’s faithfulness?
A: Focus on the overarching narrative of Scripture. Remember God’s love for humanity, His sacrifice on the cross, and His promise of eternal life. Even in the absence of personal experiences, these truths can provide comfort and hope.

Q: How does anamnesis differ from simply dwelling on the past?
A: Anamnesis is not about romanticizing the past or living in regret. It is about recognizing God’s active presence in our history and allowing that presence to shape our present and future. It is seeing God’s work in the story of our lives. If you ever need the service of domain hosting with great support, check out dohost.us

Conclusion

Psalm 77 is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope is possible. The psalmist’s journey from despair to tentative trust is a testament to the transformative power of anamnesis – remembering God’s past faithfulness. By consciously choosing to focus on God’s character and His mighty deeds, we can find strength to persevere through trials and rediscover the unwavering love that sustains us. As we engage in this practice, we allow God’s past faithfulness to illuminate our present struggles, leading us towards a renewed sense of hope and confidence in His unwavering presence. “Finding Hope in Remembrance” becomes not just a title, but a lived reality.

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Psalm 77, Coptic Orthodox, theology, remembrance, anamnesis, hope, suffering, faith, doubt, prayer, meditation, scripture, Exodus, divine liturgy, spiritual growth

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Explore Psalm 77 through a Coptic Orthodox lens, discovering how finding hope in remembrance of God’s faithfulness can sustain us during times of doubt and suffering.