May 30, 2023 — Psalm 44 

“We have heard it with our ears, O God; our ancestors have told us what you did in their days, in days long ago. With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors; you crushed the peoples and made our ancestors flourish. It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them. You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob. Through you we push back our enemies; through your name we trample our foes. I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory; but you give us victory over our enemies, you put our adversaries to shame. In God we make our boast all day long, and we will praise your name forever. But now you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies. You made us retreat before the enemy, and our adversaries have plundered us. You gave us up to be devoured like sheep and have scattered us among the nations. You sold your people for a pittance, gaining nothing from their sale.” Psalm 44:1-12 

The book of Psalms is a collection of works which were gathered and collected over a long period of time. As some commentators note, it is clear from hints within the Psalms that various collections arose which were then, at some point, consolidated into a “collection of collections” as we have today. You wouldn’t think a psalm that talks about how G-d chooses not to answer prayer and this same G-d who leaves people suffering could be positive for the reader — except if you consider it in this encouraging but alternative kind of way. In considering this psalm of lament we are reminded that: 

1. This is how life is. No one promised us a bed of roses — there is pain and suffering and we all will encounter those days. 
2. G-d expects and accepts the cries, the screams and the strained questions from people who do not understand the pain in their life. 
3. Confusion and concern is a valid part of a faithful life and is not something we should bottle up and hide. 

G-d has called us to be disciples – even faithful, questioning, confused and fearful disciples. G-d knows how we think, how we feel and how we are scared a lot of the time — especially in times where there is a plague, or a pandemic. G-d knows what we endure and the Psalmist reminds us that G-d knows all — and accepts our angry, fearful, and pleading thoughts and prayers.  But where else should we go but to G-d — in our prayers, and when we pray the Psalms. 

Prayer: Lord, rise up and come to your aid. You are the King who knows the secrets of our hearts; fill us with the light of truth and with your strong arm lead us to freedom, as you mightily delivered our ancestors; for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Amen.