Psalm 79: Crying Out in Lament, Finding Hope in God’s Mercy

Dear friend in Christ, as we open our hearts to Psalm 79, we encounter a raw and honest cry from Asaph, the psalmist, amid unimaginable devastation. This lament, likely written after the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and the temple around 586 BC, paints a picture of ruin: “O God, the nations have come into your inheritance; they have defiled your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins” (v. 1, ESV). Bodies lie unburied, God’s people are mocked, and the faithful wonder, “How long, O Lord? Will you be angry forever?” (v. 5). Yet, in this darkness, the psalm shifts from despair to plea, seeking God’s compassion, atonement, and ultimate praise: “Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever” (v. 13).In our own turbulent times—whether facing personal trials, global conflicts, or unseen crises like pandemics—this psalm invites us to bring our grief boldly before God. It’s not a cold complaint but a warm expression of trust, knowing He hears the brokenhearted. Contemporary Christian voices remind us that such laments are pathways to deeper faith and hope.

Consider how David Guzik, in his Enduring Word commentary, highlights the triumph of trust in Psalm 79. Even when it feels like God has deserted His people, the psalmist’s faith “stood even such a strain, and is not dashed by a trace of doubt.” The very act of singing this lament reveals an underlying confidence in God’s promises, turning devastation into a hiding place in His name.This encourages us: when life crumbles, our cries to God aren’t signs of weak faith but proof of a relationship anchored in His unchanging love.

Poet and priest Malcolm Guite echoes this in his poetic response, applying the psalm to modern “long trials” like the COVID-19 crisis, where an invisible enemy leaves many unburied and isolated. Yet, he sees Psalm 79 as speaking “directly into our situation,” urging us to persist in faith amid uncertainty, much like Asaph did. In our weariness, Guite’s insight warms us—God meets us in the mess, transforming prolonged suffering into opportunities for renewed closeness with Him. The Open Bible has a great definition of a lament:

“A lament is a prayer or expression of sorrow that acknowledges pain and suffering while turning to God for comfort and understanding. It is a way for believers to process grief in God’s presence, recognizing that life is filled with brokenness and hardship. Lament is not merely complaining; it is a trustful cry to God, reflecting a deep relationship with Him.” Asaph’s grief leads to trust, teaching us to “live by faith, not by sight. For Christians, this culminates at the cross, where our deepest sorrows meet Jesus’ victory, offering atonement and restoration (v. 9).

What a comforting truth! Just as God disciplined Israel out of love, He shapes us through trials to draw us nearer, turning ruin into redemption. My friends, Psalm 79 calls us to honest prayer, not vengeful rage, but appeals to God’s compassion. Let this inspire you: whatever your “ruins” look like—loss, injustice, or doubt—cry out to the Shepherd who cares for His sheep. He atones, delivers, and leads us to eternal praise.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, like Asaph, we pour out our hearts amid brokenness. Forgive our sins, show compassion, and pour Your wrath on evil while sparing us in mercy. Help us trust Your promises, finding hope in Jesus’ cross. May we, Your sheep, praise You forever. Amen.