Update: Sheet music for this song is now available at gregscheer.com.
Psalm 77 is an interesting case study in lament. It begins like many lament Psalms: “I cried out to God for help.” It wistfully remembers the good old days, then asks the pivotal question of the Psalm: “Will the Lord reject us forever?” After a series of complaint questions, the Psalm turns again to remembering the good old days, but this time as a form of consolation: “I will remember the deeds of the Lord…the miracles…I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.” The Psalm ends by recalling how God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk through on dry ground.
Lyricist Travis Ham, with whom I collaborated on this song, took the Psalm’s remembering one step further by recalling Christ’s work on the cross. Because Christ suffered for us, died, and was resurrected, we can endure our hardships, questions, and doubts.
I sometimes have reservations about “christianizing” Psalms, but Travis has done a skillful job of extending the Psalm’s message to include all God’s people singing it in 2022.
1. We lift our voices to the Lord
in these troubled days,
through these weary nights.
Though rest evades our fainting hearts,
when we cannot speak,
still, he hears our sighs:
Will the Lord reject us forever?
Has rage replaced his grace?
Has the Rock of Ages changed?
We will remember your wonders and your deeds,
how your mighty hand of power has set your people free.
And still you’re moving, and still you will redeem.
So we praise you, God so faithful, we praise you.
2. Your Spirit moved across the sea:
water bowed its head,
thunder roared in fright.
And then your hand moved once again
and the waves pulled back,
freedom’s path was dry!
For your care will last forever
and your power never fades–
you are always strong to save. (Chorus)
3. You lifted Christ upon the cross,
but that darkest day
has become our light.
His path from death to life is ours
and we walk by faith
until hope is sight.
Yes, your love endures forever
and your grace will never fade.
Faithful God, You never change. (Chorus)
