Psalm 44 is a communal lament. In the midst of defeat, the leader leads the people to seek God as their help so that they may overcome. The psalm can be divided into three parts: Verses 1–8: In the past, the ancestors relied on God’s power to defeat their enemies; Verses 9–16: In the present, it seems as though God has rejected His people, allowing them to suffer shame and become a laughingstock among the nations; Verses 17–26: Even though the hardship and distress have not changed, the people have not broken God’s covenant. In faith, they continue to call upon Him for help.

As we look back on our own past—those moments when we felt helpless and powerless—was it not God who led us through the valley of the shadow of death and into places of light and hope? Just as God gave Israel’s ancestors victory, none of those victories came from their own strength, but from God's mighty power. The exodus from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, forty years in the wilderness, entering Canaan, the open door in Antioch; Peter’s rescue from prison; Paul on the storm-tossed ship—all these stories, whether from our personal past or church history, testify to God’s power.

Verse 4 says, “You are my King, O God; ordain salvation for Jacob!.” God is not only Israel’s King but our great King too. We ought to invite Christ to reign in our lives—not relying on our own “bows” or “swords,” nor on our own intelligence, power, or wealth, but depending on the risen King of kings, Christ, who will lead us to triumph in the face of our enemies.

Are you experiencing difficulty today? Perhaps conflict in relationships, a career bottleneck, or academic struggles where you feel overwhelmed—as though God hasn’t noticed. Maybe your efforts to share the gospel have become a joke among others. In times like these, you may feel wronged or even blame those around you, or ask God, “Where are You? Why don’t You hear my cry?” But the truth is: God has always been in control; everything is under His sovereignty. He never promised smooth sailing but did promise sufficient strength for every circumstance.

As Paul said in Philippians 4:12–13, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation… I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”

Psalm 44:17–18 says, “All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you, and we have not been false to your covenant. Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way;” This covenant refers to the one God made with Israel: “I will be your God, and you will be My people.” Throughout the Old Testament, Israel endured many hardships, but this covenant never changed. In the same way, God has made a covenant with all who believe in Him. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

We must hold firmly to this unshakable covenant and come before God at all times: “Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!” (Psalm 44:26).

We may encounter difficulties, and even face situations where we feel like we’re “being killed all day long; regarded as sheep to be slaughtered” (Psalm 44:22). Yet, through Him who loved us, “we are more than conquerors in all these things” (Romans 8:37). May the Lord strengthen us and give us the power to overcome, so we may triumph by His great power!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for being with us. Your covenant never changes! Please reign as our King. Strengthen us in our difficulties. Help us hold firmly to Your covenant and trust in Your mighty power by faith to gain the victory. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray, Amen!