Begin with two minutes of stillness and silence before God.

Psalm 44 isn’t the passage I’d choose to read or share with a friend during difficult circumstances. It’s a discomforting reminder that trust in God won’t shield us from crushing hardships. A reminder that unwavering faith doesn’t guarantee God will answer our prayers. It’s a reminder that, at times, it may seem as if He doesn’t hear us at all. And, yet, the theme of this chapter is ironically … hope.

It reminds me of another story about a son. His father had big plans for him. It would require that the son dedicate himself to preparation for the task. He did all that was asked. He did it with a willing heart. The father loved the son, and the son trusted his father, but trust didn’t protect the son from the world. People didn’t like him. They didn’t like the work he was doing. In fact, they grew to despise him. The son went to his father, and asked for help. The father had the power to extinguish the tension, but he didn’t, and things escalated. The son found himself the captive of a mad mob who wanted his life. Where was the father? Unrelenting, the mob got what they wanted. A death sentence! At his execution, enduring the mob’s unjust cruelty, the son was heard crying out to his father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)

Jesus’ whole-hearted trust in His Father didn’t shield Him from harsh persecution. Jesus’ unwavering faith didn’t result in a guaranteed answered prayer (Matthew 26:39,42). And on the cross, even Jesus asked the question, “God, where are you?” Jesus experienced the worst of this earth. He knows distress. Yet, His faith never wavered. Jesus never lost hope.

There is a similar observation from Psalm 44. You probably noticed that before the Psalmist made his plea, he began with the first eight verses dedicated to praising God for His goodness. At first, that seems odd to me. I mean, “Hello? I’ve trusted You, and You are not answering me? I’ve been faithful, and You are not even listening!” Unfortunately, I think those might be my initial thoughts, but it’s like the Psalmist is saying instead, “Lord, You may not be answering me right now, and it may seem you aren’t listening to me at all, but I’m not going to stop pleading with You because I KNOW from experience that You are good, and I can trust You.” In the middle of the crisis, the Psalmist had hope.

Isaiah 26:3 says, “People with their minds set on you, you keep completely whole, steady on their feet, because they keep at it and don’t quit. Depend on GOD and keep at it because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing.” Hope is powerful.

At the end of chapter 44, the Psalmist concludes with a reminder of something else that is powerful, “... because of your unfailing love.” After seventeen verses of beseeching God, he puts a loud period at the end of the chapter with the promise of another sure thing. Yes, hardships are coming, but because of His unfailing love, we can remember His goodness. He may not answer that prayer the way we desire, but because of His unfailing love, we won’t quit. Sometimes, it may seem as if He isn’t listening at all, but because of His unfailing love, our faith is rooted in hope.

Life is hard. Our troubles are big, but we have something bigger. Something more powerful. We have Hope. We have Love. His name is Jesus, and He is a SURE thing! Let that encourage you today!

Take two minutes to reflect in silence.

Reflection:

• Use the S.O.A.P. Method to study God’s Word.
• SCRIPTURE: What stands out to you in today’s passage?
• OBSERVATION: What is this text saying? What is the context? How does it fit with the verses before and after it? Are there any commands, instructions, or promises? 
• APPLICATION: How can you apply this verse to your life? What does this mean today? What is God saying to you? 
• PRAYER: Respond to the passage in prayer. Ask God to help you apply this truth to your life and spend some time listening to what He may be telling you.

The Way of Jesus: 7 Marks of Discipleship

As we begin a new series, we encourage you to lean into the 7 Marks of Discipleship each week. The 7 Marks of Discipleship provide a simple tool to help us identify areas where we are thriving in our calling and where we can grow. Check here each week for a new 7 Marks Challenge that will encourage you to follow Jesus closer every day.