Adversity and the Love of God
There will be times when our hardships in this life will be perplexing. The psalmist in Psalm 44 lays out his struggles in this very regard and shows us how to deal with prolonged and unexplainable suffering.
The psalmist begins by expressing confidence in God’s past provision and grace. He remembers hearing of the mighty works of God (44:1-3). It is on the basis of God’s covenant that the psalmist has confidence for the present and the future (44:4-8). Brethren, in times of adversity remember God’s grace and rest assured that God cares for His people.
The psalmist then cries out to God about the devastating effect of his trials (44:9-16). He feels like God has rejected him (44:9). He is overwhelmed and wonders if God cares (44:11-16). Brethren, you can be reverently honest with God about how that your feel. Just remember that you must not remind yourself of the truth of God’s love and not allow your feelings to determine how your perceive your circumstances.
The psalmist declares that his suffering is not discipline from the Lord for his sin. He has not forgotten God or lessened His commitment to God’s Law (44:17-18). As proof, he says that if he were guilty of idolatry, God would expose his sin (44:20–21). Brethren, there will be perplexing times of adversity that God brings into our lives to sanctify us and increase our faith (Jam 1:1-4). The psalmist is frustrated and perplexed with God’s lack of answer to his troubles. Like the sacrificial sheep, he seems to be facing death for no other reason than for the Lord’s name (44:22-26). He knows that in his adversity God’s love is unchanging (44:26). Brethren, nothing can separate us from the love of God.