February 16, 2018
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Psalms? Here’s today’s reading:
Psalm 44 (ESV)
O God, we have heard with our ears,
our fathers have told us,
what deeds you performed in their days,
in the days of old:
2 you with your own hand drove out the nations,
but them you planted;
you afflicted the peoples,
but them you set free;
3 for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you delighted in them.
4 You are my King, O God;
ordain salvation for Jacob!
5 Through you we push down our foes;
through your name we tread down those who rise up against us.
6 For not in my bow do I trust,
nor can my sword save me.
7 But you have saved us from our foes
and have put to shame those who hate us.
8 In God we have boasted continually,
and we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah....Continue Reading
Already registered? Click here to log in.
Not registered? Click here (LHCC members only)
3 for not by their own sword did they win the land,
nor did their own arm save them,
but your right hand and your arm,
and the light of your face,
for you delighted in them.
Position
This is certainly a Psalm of frustration. The psalmist recognizes that God is the source of all provision. It is not the bow, sword or shield that bring victory, it is God. Such an important thing for us to remember. So when the things of this earth falter, we can recognize our ultimate dependence wasn’t on any of it, but on God who is always there and always able. But the Psalmist doesn’t see God moving. He seems distant, silent and inactive. And it’s not because Israel has sinned. So why are you acting this way God? How important it is for us to remember that this is part of the way God works. Sometimes He withholds provision and presence not because we are doing anything wrong but because He is building faith in us. A faith that doesn’t need to experience anything to be valid. A faith about knowing He is there and acting even when we don’t see it. It’s the purest faith there is. But we and the Psalmist are still left with one thing. To turn to God. To cry out to Him. To seek Him only for the things we need. Awake Oh Lord because we need you! But then we leave it to Him for how or when He responds. Because that is what faith in God is like.