Psalm 44

God Help Us –

National Day of Prayer

“The friends of Jesus came to Him; they woke Him and said, “Lord, save us!  We are dying.”  He said to them, “Why are you afraid?  You do not have much faith.”  Matthew 8:25-26

Written by Hezekiah, David, or a son of Korah at the time of a national crisis.  A national testing leads to faith.

Vs. 1  The psalmist starts out with a strong affirmation of faith and dependency on God.

A personal knowledge – We have heard with our own ears.

Our very own ancestors have told us –

·        We know Your power

·        We know what You have done

·        We know You are God alone

Vs, 2  You gave us this land – cleared of all pagan nations.

You crushed our enemies.

You set us free.

Vs. 3   We didn’t do a thing – it wasn’t us!

It was because You are God.

Our ancestors recognized Your power.  Your Favor and even Your smile.

You, I know, were their God.

Vs, 4-5  But You are now my God, my King.

We succeed only by Your power.

Vs. 6  I don’t trust

·        My bow

·        My sword

Vs. 7  I know You give the victory.

Only You can defeat/humble our enemies.

Vs. 8  Oh, God, we give You Glory.

We know You are God and we praise Your Name.

Vs. 9  But … what’s wrong?

·        Have You tossed us aside?

·        Have You quit leading our armies?

Vs. 10  Why do we retreat – allowing them to plunder our land?

Vs. 11  Are we sheep - waiting to be slaughtered?

We have no unity – scattered easy prey?

Look at what You have done to us.

Vs. 12  Sold us out and for what?

Vs. 13  Allowed others to ridicule us.

We are an object of scorn, they mock us –

Vs. 14  ‘laugh us into the ground’

Vs. 15-16  We are humiliated – shamed.

Vs. 17-18  And all of this while we are loyal to You!

We are innocent

-         We have kept Your covenant

-         Our hearts are faithful to You.

-         We haven’t strayed.

Vs. 19  So why?  Why have You crushed us?

Covered us with darkness and death?

Vs. 20-23  Why – If we are guilty – You would know it?

We don’t understand why this is happening.

No matter – We will trust You at all cost –

We will be sheep for slaughter if that is what it takes.

Vs. 23  It looks like God is asleep.  We run to stinking thinking when we can’t see or hear or experience His action in our lives.

Vs. 23-25  The psalmist believes God is able to come to their relief –and he says- “Wake up, arise (why are You waiting so long), help us!

Why is this happening?

Why?  It looks like You are ignoring us.  Are You hearing our prayers?

We are suffering and oppressed, collapsing from all that we are going through.”

Vs. 25  Our hearts are downcast.

Vs. 26  A passionate plea – Rise up!  Come help us!  (a prayer of confidence – We know You will.)

Save us because of Your unfailing love – by Your grace!

Do it again, Lord!

Great faith is honored by mighty works.

Because of Your unfailing love!

Clear, simple and urgent.

Redeem us because of Your faithful love.  HCSB

Rescue us because of Your mercy.  GWT

Get up and come to our rescue.  If You love us so much, (then) help us!  MSG