77:1-3 Some distress led the psalmist to insomnia. In his restless condition he cried out to God, but he received no relief (cf. Heb. 5:7).
77:4-6 On other similar occasions Asaph said he received peace by meditating on God. However on this one that activity brought him no rest or joy. God was keeping him awake, but he found no satisfaction in praising God.
77:7-9 He wondered if God had abandoned him. He also questioned God's loyal love. Evidently Asaph was awake because of a major problem he faced. In the darkness of night he could see no hope.
"This is a clear example of the value of confessing one's doubts to God. As the broad misgivings of verse 7 are spelt out more precisely in verses 8f. their inner contradictions come to light, and with them the possibility of an answer."139
