Psalm 44- Where are you Lord?
Introduction: The Bible describes God as a God who hides. One of the most common experiences we make as believers is struggling through a time when it appears that God is silent. Why does he seem so far away sometimes? Where is He in those times when we feel alone? These are not questions to be taken lightly, but neither should they be ignored. Psalm 44 faces them head on.
Opening Discussion Question: When things go well with us, is it appropriate to see it as a sign of God’s approval?
Verses 1-8: Seeing God’s Hand in our Victories
- What important principle does the Psalmist reflect on as he considers Israel’s victories? (Verses 3, 6-7)
- How is the principle important for our own individual Christian walk?
- Discuss how this principle sometimes is forgotten. What temptations are out there for a Christian who doesn’t “boast in the Lord?” (verse 8)
Verses 9-16: Feeling Rejected
- Describe the mood of verses 9-16. What has happened to create this mood in the Psalmist?
- Have you ever felt like this in your communication with God? What usually precipitates this kind of response towards God?
Verses 17-26 and Romans 8:28-39: As sheep to be slaughtered
- What assumption has the Psalmist made about God in verses 23-24?
- Should our prayer life ever use language or emotions like those expressed in this passage? Why is emotional honesty in our relationship with God important? Why might we be hesitant to be honest with our Heavenly Father?
- Read Romans 8:28-39 and consider its context. Why would Paul choose to quote from Psalm 44 at this point in his letter to the Romans? What’s the relationship between the Psalm and Paul’s meditation on the Christian’s victory in Christ Jesus?
- In what way does the Romans passage provide a fresh understanding and renewed focus of the Psalmist’s plea in Psalm 44.
- Imagine you were counseling a struggling believer who was rocked by circumstances in their life. What insights from these two texts does God give us to help those who are hurting? How are they tools for encouragement?