Psalm 44:1-3, 20-26 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 44:1-3, 20-26 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1We have heard with our ears, O God, our ancestors have told us, what deeds you performed in their days, in the days of old:
Verse 2you with your own hand drove out the nations, but them you planted; you afflicted the peoples, but them you set free;
Verse 3for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm give them victory; but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your countenance, for you delighted in them.
Verse 20If we had forgotten the name of our God, or spread out our hands to a strange god,
Verse 21would not God discover this? For he knows the secrets of the heart.
Verse 22Because of you we are being killed all day long, and accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
Verse 23Rouse yourself! Why do you sleep, O Lord? Awake, do not cast us off forever!
Verse 24Why do you hide your face? Why do you forget our affliction and oppression?
Verse 25For we sink down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground.
Verse 26Rise up, come to our help. Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love.
Devotion
These verses in Psalm 44 speak of the great and unfailing love of God. That love is often seen in the power of God. In verse 3, the light of God’s face is a description of how God’s power is manifest. The face of God is light and love. What a wonderful image this brings to our minds as we grapple with our unworthiness and sinfulness. The light and love of God is ours because God has redeemed us through the suffering, death, and resurrection of His Son.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we continue on our spiritual journey, help us to become fully aware of your great love for us. Help us to receive that love and in doing so fully to realize the great sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.