Albert Barnes Commentary Psalms 77:6

"I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart; And my spirit maketh diligent search." — Psalms 77:6 (ASV)

I call to remembrance my song in the night – Compare Job 35:10 (see note) and Psalms 42:8 (see note). The word rendered “song” here – נגינה n^egı̂ynâh – properly means the music of stringed instruments (Lamentations 5:14; Isaiah 38:20), and then, a stringed instrument. It is the word that often appears in the titles to the psalms (Psalms 4:1–8; Psalms 6:1–10; Psalms 54:1–7; Psalms 55 (title); Psalms 67:1–7; Psalms 76:1–12); and it is used here in the sense of song or psalm.

The idea is that there were times in his life when, even in darkness and sorrow, he could sing; when he could find things for which to praise God; when he could find something that would cheer him; when he could take some bright views of God suited to calm his feelings and to give peace to his soul.

He recalls those times and scenes to mind, with a desire to have those cheerful impressions renewed, and he asks himself what it was that then comforted and sustained him.

He strives to recall those things, for if he found comfort then, he thinks he might find comfort from the same considerations now.

I commune with my own heart – I think over the matter. See the notes on Psalms 4:4.

And my spirit made diligent search – a search that was, in reference:

• to the grounds of my former support and comfort; and
• also in reference to the whole matter as it now lies before me.