How can we trust God when He "rejects and humbles" us? Setting the Scene Psalm 44 moves from joyful remembrance of God’s past victories (vv.1-8) to raw lament: “But now You have rejected and humbled us” (v.9). The psalmists feel abandoned, yet they keep talking to the Lord. Their honesty models how we can cling to Him even when life seems to contradict His favor. Understanding “Rejected and Humbled” • “Rejected” doesn’t mean God has broken covenant; it signals the felt loss of His immediate help (cf. Deuteronomy 31:17). • “Humbled” translates a word for being brought low or bowed down. God sometimes permits defeat so His people recognize their total dependence on Him (2 Chronicles 7:13-14). • The psalm’s tension: God is faithful, yet present circumstances hurt. That tension invites deeper trust, not despair. Why God Allows Seasons of Humbling • Refining faith – “When He has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). • Correcting hidden sin – “Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline” (Revelation 3:19). • Revealing His power later – “We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). • Producing endurance and character – “Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). • Advancing His larger purposes – Joseph’s captivity preserved nations (Genesis 50:20). Trusting God’s Character in the Dark • He is righteous – “All His ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4). • He is steadfast in love – “His mercies never fail” (Lamentations 3:22-23). • He is sovereign – “Whatever the LORD pleases He does” (Psalm 135:6). • He is near to the broken – “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18). Practical Ways to Keep Trusting 1. Keep praying honestly. Pour out complaints as the psalmists did (Psalm 44:23-26). 2. Recall past deliverances. “I will remember the deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 77:11). 3. Anchor in Scripture daily. Truth steadies emotions (Psalm 119:92). 4. Worship by choice, not by feelings (Habakkuk 3:17-18). 5. Seek fellowship. God often encourages through His people (Hebrews 10:24-25). Assurance of Restoration • Divine rejection is never final for His covenant people: “For His anger is but for a moment… but favor lasts a lifetime” (Psalm 30:5). • Humbling precedes lifting: “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6). • Ultimate victory is guaranteed in Christ: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). God’s temporary “rejection” disciplines but never disowns. Even when He humbles us, He remains the same trustworthy Lord who “works all things together for good” (Romans 8:28). |
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