We have no more present actual comfort than we have remembrance; help a godly man’s memory, and help his comfort; like unto charcoal, which, having once been kindled, is the more easy to take fire. He that hath formerly known things, takes ready acquaintance of them again, as old friends; things are not strange to him.
~ Richard Sibbes, The Soul’s Conflict With Itself, and Victory Over Itself By Faith.
I don’t know if Richard Sibbes had Psalm 77 in mind when he wrote this, but it seems likely.
Deep griefs aren’t helped by shallow bandages, and immediate panic often needs far away joys. It’s clear that the Psalmist knew this intimately.
We can look to God and not see Him to be as we’ve always known Him to be. We can feel as though He’s changed towards us, or that we’ve slipped away from Him. In those times, comfort may not come without the memory of former comforts.
Lay up for yourself the deliverances of God. Search Scripture, and ponder God’s never-ending care and steadfast love for weak and poor sinners like you. Worship in trust in His Word. Remember, soul, your good God. Not God as you feel Him to be. God as He has always been. God in Christ, and Christ comforting you. Make these memories your friends so that in the days of darkness they are not strange to you. Then, may we find, strong hands to bind our broken bones, and trillions of stars dotting our night sky.
You can read the works of Richard Sibbes for free here: https://standingbeforegodblog.wordpress.com/the-works-of-richard-sibbes-vol-1-7/
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Standing Before God, This We Are and No More 