For the director of music. For Jeduthun. Of Asaph. A psalm.

1aI cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me.

2When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands, and I would not be comforted.

3I remembered you, God, and I groaned; I meditated, and my spirit grew faint.b

4You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak.

5I thought about the former days, the years of long ago;

6I remembered my songs in the night. My heart meditated and my spirit asked:

7“Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?

8Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?

9Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?”

10Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years when the Most High stretched out his right hand.

11I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

12I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

13Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God?

14You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.

15With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

16The waters saw you, God, the waters saw you and writhed; the very depths were convulsed.

17The clouds poured down water, the heavens resounded with thunder; your arrows flashed back and forth.

18Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked.

19Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen.

20You led your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.