Psalm 44

The Lord's assistance in conquering Canaan (vs. 1-3)--"Assistance" might not be a strong enough word. Certainly He worked through His people, but the psalmist, correctly, gives Jehovah most of the credit: "You drove out the nations with Your hand" (v. 2). "They did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them" (v. 3). It's a good place to begin a review of any life--the guidance of the Lord.

Trusting in God for victory (vs. 4-8)--Since He led Israel of old to victory, He can do the same for subsequent generations. He is the King Who can "command victories for Jacob" (v. 4). It is through His aid that enemies will be defeated (v. 5). We should not trust in our own devices (v. 6), but acknowledge that it is He Who was "saved us from our enemies" (v. 7). Thus, our boast is in Him, and we will "praise Your name forever" (v. 8). Israel was a national, as well as spiritual, entity, and thus the constant reference to "enemies" throughout the Psalms is literal and physical in character. Putting this on a more personal relevance for us, our great "enemy" is Satan. And it is through the Lord's assistance only that we can defeat Him.

All is not well (vs. 9-16)--The Psalmist here gives us a marvelous view of what our attitude ought to be. The first eight verses provide no hint that something might be wrong. The Lord has been instrumental, in times past, in leading His people to victory, and thus deserves to be praised. Regardless of what happens in life "Jehovah is worthy to be praised" (Ps. 18:3). But in the current case, "You have cast us off and put us to shame" (v. 9). Indeed, we have another fine example of palilogical parallelism..."You...You...You...You...You..." This is for ease of memorization. All of these matters are synonymous. The Lord had cast them off (v. 9), made them run from their enemies (v. 10), left them as weak as sheep (v. 11), sold them for "next to nothing" (i.e., they were worthless in His sight, v. 12), made them a reproach (v. 13) and a byword (v. 14). Dishonor and shame followed (vs. 15-16). The circumstance behind Israel's current miserable state is not recounted. The writer, having attributed past glories to the Lord, now attributes the current distress to Him as well. Jehovah is active, and near, in our lives. We must never forget that. And He does as He sees best for us.

"We have not forgotten you" (vs. 17-23)--This is questionable. Certainly, there were always faithful people in Israel, but they were nearly always in the minority. The account of Israel's history, as recorded in Judges through II Chronicle, is not one of faith and devotion to God. But, the psalmist claims that they had not "dealt falsely with Your covenant" (v. 17), "nor have our steps departed from Your way" (v. 18). Regardless of the accuracy of those statements, the Lord had turned against them (v. 19). The writer is somewhat confused. If they had been unfaithful and idolatrous, Jehovah would know it--"for He knows the secrets of the heart" (v. 21). "Yet for Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter" (v. 22). Paul quotes this passage in Romans 8:36 in reference to the persecution God's people might endure; but that is no indication that God no longer loves us. I do not believe this verse makes this psalm refer strictly to the Christian age. Paul is simply saying that the circumstance of the early church was similar to that in Psalm 44.  I think part of the application here is to realize that, even in those times in our lives when we believe we are doing the best we can for Him, there will be anguish and sorrow.  And we won't know why God is allowing it to happen.  Or, more appropriately, bringing it upon us.

"Why do you hide your face?" (vs. 23-26)--There is no resolution to this song. The writer does not understand why the Lord is doing what He is doing, not if they had been faithful to Him. They had been humbled (v. 25), so "redeem us for Your mercies' sake" (v. 26). Show how merciful You are by delivering us from this current troubles. Again, we see a psalm that is so very relevant to our own lives. We do not know why things happen in our lives--good and bad--but through it all we should praise God and request His aid in times of sorrow and suffering.