The Prayer For Victory

Psalms 44:17–26
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In spite of all their suffering, the hearts of the people are right with God (vv. 17-22). Whenever there was trouble in Israel, the first explanation was usually “Somebody has sinned.” But as far as the psalmist knew, there was no sin to be confessed because the people were faithful to the Lord. They had not turned to the idols for help, and instead, they had given their lives to protect the land that God had so graciously given to them.

The principle is the same for both the old and new covenant people. Those who give their lives for God can be glorified even when it seems they have been defeated. An example of this is when several years ago five young men in Ecuador gave their lives trying to reach the Auca Indians with the Gospel. Many people asked, “Why this waste?” What looked like a terrible defeat turned out to be a glorious victory as many young people around the world felt the call of God and surrendered to serve Him. In Israel’s case, God permitted this to happen so He could carry out a purpose known only to Him.

The questions of faith express the conviction that a chasm exists between the promises of God and reality. Out of their deeply felt need, the people of God ask, “Why do you sleep” (v. 23)? This is not because they really think God is asleep, but because they want his immediate attention to their problem, they plead with Him to “awake.” We can’t always explain the so-called tragedies of life, but Rom. 8:28 is still in the Bible. We may look like sheep before the slaughter (v. 22) but in God’s sight, we are more than conquerors (Rom 8:37). They ask God why He seems to be looking away and they don’t want Him to forget their sufferings (v. 24). In dependency on God, they lay prostrate on the ground, not having the power to rise up (v. 25), do something, and come to their rescue (v. 26).

Application

Am I willing to suffer for Christ’s sake? It will always be for my good and for His glory. I have not had much suffering or pain in this life. However, none of us know what we may face before we leave this life. I only pray that I will be able to praise the Lord no matter what comes my way.