Jenny's Psalm Reflections: Psalm 44 v.1
Today’s verse is Psalm 44 v.1
“Our ancestors have told us what deeds you performed in their days, the days of old.”
Background:
Psalm 44 is described as a lament and prayer for help. It describes the past victories which Israel enjoyed and the assurance of God’s love and support. However, time has now passed, and it seems this happened a long time ago “in the days of old” or as we’d probably describe it today “the good old days.” The writer seems perplexed and angry especially in verse 18 where he declares that “Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from your way.” The writer wants God to wake up and come to Israel’s help again.
It is also like that for us. There will be times when it truly feels as though God is alongside us and most noticeable in the good times. We feel content. However, what about the times when things don’t work out the way we expect? We don’t pass the exam first time. We don’t get the job we want. It can feel that God is against us when, in reality, he is still alongside us. As it is written in Matthew 5 verse 45, “God makes his sun rise on the evil and the good” and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous” which is certainly a lesson Job learned.
Sometimes we think back to the past and the good old days too and overlook that there are plenty of good new days ahead of us. That is also true of church life. It can be difficult for the Church to accept the mistakes of the past, move forward and embrace new ways of engaging with people. But the God who worked miracles for the people of Israel is still doing great things for His people today. Keep trusting in Him the key to the future!
Meditation
1. Find a quiet place.
Sit comfortably but alert – feet flat on the floor, back pushed hard against the back of the chair.
2. Focus as well on your breathing.
Pay attention to in-breaths and out-breaths. You may think of breathing in God’s life and peace and breathing out any tension.
3. Be aware of your body.
Let your aches and pains be there. Rest your feet on the floor; still being aware of them pressed firmly into the floor. Shrug your shoulders, ease your neck. Take time to become still.
4. Do you feel as though God has forgotten you?
Is there a particular aspect of your life that you are struggling with? Sit silently and centre yourself on the stillness of God. Simply lean on Him and feel yourself resting and in refuge in His loving arms.
5. Sit quietly and feel safe.
Sit quietly and feel safe and cared for.
6. Finish with this prayer:
In the darkness of unknowing, when your love seems absent, draw near to me, O God, in Christ forsaken, in Christ risen, my Redeemer and my Lord. Amen.
Posted on June 10th 2021
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