Day 15: Psalm 44 - When God Seems Absent
Take a moment to close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Then open your eyes and slowly read and pray today's psalm in the image above.
The psalmist has heard about God's faithfulness to past generations (1), but now he feels rejected and humbled (9). Again and again he lays his hardships at God's feet: you made us retreat, you gave us up, you sold your people (10-13). It can feel uncomfortable to bring that kind of complaint to God, yet the psalmist does just that.
In Romans 8:36, Paul quotes verse 22 of this psalm right after asking, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Jesus himself faced death and was like a sheep led to slaughter. His suffering shows God's solidarity with us, and Paul concludes that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37-39).
Consider how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection might shape your view of God in your suffering. Then slowly pray the selections from Psalm 44 again, honestly expressing your views about God's role in your suffering while also meditating on Christ and his cross.
Reflection Questions
Personal reflection:
Do you feel that some of your hardships are God's fault, but you haven't allowed yourself to express that? If so, try to voice these concerns to God.
Community discussion:
Have you ever sensed a tension between knowing stories of God's past care and not feeling that it is true for you right now (1, 9)? How have you navigated that tension?