Psalm 44 is another Maskil from the Sons of Korah, written to teach and encourage us.With their faith and hope renewed, they now wanted to share God's glory with others.
I will often go back and read my International Children's Bible that I used in my Kid's Club Leading days, as I enjoy it's simple lessons. For example:
`10 SIMPLE WAYS TO SHARE GOD'S GLORY'.
1) In the KIND WORD OF A FRIEND.
2) In a PARENT'S HUG.
3) In a BABY'S SMILE.
4) In a MOUNTAIN'S GRANDEUR.
5) In the CLOUDS IN THE SKY.
6) In a SUMMER THUNDERSTORM.
7) In the DETAIL OF A FINGERPRINT.
8) In a FRIEND'S FORGIVENESS.
9) In a STILL, SMALL VOICE,
10) In an ANSWER TO PRAYER.
In times of trial and what may seemed like persecution, I can think back and remember when these simple things have been very reassuring.
In Psalm 44 the writer begins by remembering back to the past victories of their ancestors, where ultimately the power and the glory of the Lord was seen. We too can look to GOD'S GLORY as we continue to TRUST IN HIM.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come on you to test you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in as much as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His GLORY HIS REVEALED. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the SPIRIT OF THE GLORY OF GOD rests on you." 1 Peter 4:12-14 (NIV)
PRAISE FOR PAST VICTORIES - Psalm 44:1-8
Like most of the psalms and our prayers, we are reminded that we need to begin with adoration and praise for our great God. Looking back, the writer knew the victories his people had were all done not in their own strength, but with God on their side.
"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." Psalm 44:3
As I struggle with another bout of depression I have gone back to the Word - this time to the book of Philippians, for my main desire is to get back that `joy' that seems to be so missing in my life, and which I has always been my `trade mark'. I have to conclude, as my friend Charles Swindoll has, that Paul's joy and confidence came in his confidence in the knowledge that God was in control of everything.
This is what the psalmist and his ancestors also knew, that `God was not a distant deity, but a very present help whenever they needed Him'. My joy and confidence also come from my personal relationship with my omnipresent Father and His Son, who are WITH ME and watching over
me always.
STRENGTH IN TRIALS & PERSECUTION - Psalm 44:9-16.
When we watch television at the moment or listen to the radio and hear that our world seems to be falling apart, it is easy to see why people might feel rejected by God. Jews are still being persecuted for their faith, as are people of other faiths. We as Christians have been known to ask ourselves - "why is this happening to me?"
Gordon Churchyard, the author of www.easyenglish.info, a Bible Commentary gives us two reasons:
1. `To make us strong'.
2. `To keep us believing in God'.
I have a third, which came to me recently when I saw I saw a photo on Facebook. As Islamic Mosque had been blown up at an important time when the Islamic people needed to pray; so the local Jewish community had offered them their Temple, and they prayed together.
3. `So we can come to `COMPLETE UNITY' '.
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that ALL OF THEM MAY BE ONE, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You....... I in them and You in Me - so that they may be brought to COMPLETE UNITY." John 17:21&23 (NIV)
"WE ARE HERE TO HEAL, NOT HARM.
WE ARE HERE TO LOVE, NOT HATE
WE ARE HERE TO CREATE, NOT DESTROY.'
A.D Williams
It doesn't seem right, but the believer must have times of temptation, affliction and discouragement and the church must have seasons of persecutions; but then we need to look beyond these to God, knowing that our worst enemies have NO POWER against Him.
"You dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you IS GREATER than the one who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 (NIV)
PSALM 44:17-24 - SALVATION THROUGH GOD'S MERCY.
"Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love." Psalm 44:26
"In afflictions, we must not seek relief by any sinful compliance; but should continually meditate on the truth, purity and knowledge of our heart searching God. The church of God cannot be prevailed on by persecution to forget God; the believer's heart does not turn back from God.........None that belong to Christ shall be cast off, but everyone of them shall be saved, and that's forever. The mercy of God, purchased, promised and constantly flowing forth, and offered to believers, does away with every doubt arising from our sins; while we pray in faith, REDEEM US FOR THY MERCIES SAKE." Matthew Henry
This is the "teaching" I was brought with, in the Church and in my home Some may think of them as old fashioned, but I thank my Dad and my Pastors for teaching to me. I would not be alive today if not for these truths.
This doesn't mean I haven't failed and fallen, and at times have found `doubt arising' in this times. But it is because of the triumphant death of God's Son, Jesus Christ on the cross, and our consequent salvation, that we can continue to pray in faith, and trust in the blessings of our GRACIOUS, MERCIFUL and LOVING GOD.
International Children's Bible
Holy Bible, New International Version
www.easyenglish.info - Gordon Churchyard
ChristNotes - Matthew Henry's Commentary
"Laugh Again, Hope Again" (1992) Charles Swindoll
"Even When it Hurts" - (2015) Hillsong United (You Tube)
"At the Cross" - Chris Tomlin (2014, Passion) (YouTube)
