Victory in God
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1We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us,
What work thou didst in their days, in the times of old.
2 How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them;
How thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out.
3For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, Neither did their own arm save them:
But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, Because thou hadst a favour unto them.
4Thou art my King, O God:
Command deliverances for Jacob.
5Through thee will we push down our enemies:
Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.
6For I will not trust in my bow,
Neither shall my sword save me.
7But thou hast saved us from our enemies,
And hast put them to shame that hated us.
8In God we boast all the day long,
And praise thy name for ever.
Selah.
9But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame;
And goest not forth with our armies.
10Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy:
And they which hate us spoil for themselves.
11Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat;
And hast scattered us among the heathen.
12Thou sellest thy people for nought,
And dost not increase thy wealth by their price.
13Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours,
A scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.
14Thou makest us a byword among the heathen,
A shaking of the head among the people.
15My confusion is continually before me,
And the shame of my face hath covered me,
16For the voice of him that reproacheth and blasphemeth;
By reason of the enemy and avenger.
17All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee,
Neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant.
18Our heart is not turned back,
Neither have our steps declined from thy way;
19Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons,
And covered us with the shadow of death.
20If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god;
21Shall not God search this out?
For he knoweth the secrets of the heart.
22Yea, for thy sake are we killed all the day long;
We are counted as sheep for the slaughter.
23Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord?
Arise, cast us not off for ever.
24Wherefore hidest thou thy face,
And forgettest our affliction and our oppression?
25For our soul is bowed down to the dust:
Our belly cleaveth unto the earth.
26Arise for our help,
And redeem us for thy mercies’ sake.
Victory in God
David appears to be in emotional turmoil in Psalm 44. While he begins by reflecting on how God delivered his forefathers out of Egypt and boasts on God’s mighty salvation, he soon reveals confusion and distress that God has not yet delivered him from this battle with his enemies. David pleads with the Lord to search their hearts and see that they have not turned away from Him. He feels their obedience will be recognized and rewarded by God just as He has promised. David tells God that they have heard from their fathers the works God has done in times of old. I can imagine the many stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. David lists some of the mighty works and miracles, including how God cast out the heathen, inflicted them with plagues, and how God’s right hand gave them favor to possess the land. David’s confidence in God is boosted by these reflections. He declares that in the name of God, they will tread them under that rise up against them.
David will not trust in his own might, in his bow or his sword. He says but “God hast saved us from our enemies” (44:7). “In God we boast all day long and praise your name forever. Selah” (44:8). Now comes an unexpected change of perspective. David is now speaking to God in anguish and confusion. He says God is making them turn back from their enemies, and like sheep have scattered us among the heathen. God’s people are “being sold and are a scorn and a derision to them round about us” (44:13). David expresses unbelief that God could allow this to happen. My confusion is continually before me, he says. He wonders why this is happening to God’s people when they have not forsaken Him and their hearts have not turned back. God knows the secrets of the heart and David says that they have not turned to serve other gods in idolatry. He asks God to awake. “Arise, cast us not off forever” (44:23). He prays vehemently for God to save them. “Arise for our help and redeem us for thy mercies sake (44:26).
In Psalm 44, David expresses anguish, distress and confusion as he seems to be in a losing battle against his enemies. David chooses two ways to respond during this dark time. First, he recalls the stories from his fathers of God’s victories in days of old. These testimonies remind him of God’s power to save and deliver. He also fervently calls on God for help, reminding him of His love and trust in Him. He knows God is merciful and will awake, arise and answer him. I thank God that when times get rough, I am reminded that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the words of our testimony. So many times I have been uplifted and find hope and renewed faith when I hear the testimony of believers boasting of God’s blessings. I know that God never fails and He is always on time, though I must learn to wait on Him. He has never lost a battle.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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