Psalm 44:26 “Rise up, be our help, And redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness.”

Sometimes it is tempting to wonder where God is. On the days when everything goes right it’s easy to have faith. But on the days when everything goes wrong – well, that’s a different story. Questions and doubts pop up like weeds among the rubble of broken dreams and unanswered prayers. How do we move forward with assurance when we feel all alone and confused? It is by remembering the past, rehearsing our pain, and reaching out to God in prayer.

Curled up in my large red-leather recliner early one morning I thought about all the difficulties I had encountered over the recent months. Some mere annoyances pecked at my sanity, but other massive trials trampled my heart. I wondered why we must struggle and why God doesn’t jump in and immediately fix our problems and heal our hearts.

The writer of Psalm 44 had similar questions. Although we don’t know the circumstances behind the song, the sentiments reveal the confusion and pain of the author.

“You have rejected us.”

“You give us as sheep to be eaten.”

“You make us a reproach to our neighbors.”

These are the words of someone suffering through disappointment and discouragement. Yet the writer had a purpose in his writing. He starts the Psalm remembering the past and thanking God for all the mighty victories He has won over powerful enemies.

Next, he honestly rehearses a litany of reasons why he is struggling. But after pouring out all the wretchedness in his heart he grasps onto God’s faithfulness and reaches out in desperate prayer. “Rise up, be our help.” Deep down the Psalmist knows the truth. God never changes. He always comes through because His lovingkindness never fails.

I thought about my own difficulties – my father’s unexpected death, other personal trials that plague me, and numerous prayers for wisdom and peace in discouraging situations that haven’t seen any discernable answers yet. And I felt comforted to know I am not alone in the struggle. Down through the centuries God’s people have faced trials and remained confident in God’s love and care.

Like these examples of faith we too must remember the past, honestly rehearse our pain, and reach out to God in prayer. When we do, we will understand that God is near. He’s not sleeping. And He will come through because His lovingkindness never fails.