Psalms Chapter 44.
Are You Innocent Or Guilty?
The psalmist declares to God they have heard of his many miracles of the past and how God defeated all the enemies before them. But the psalmist cries out to God because God has humbled Israel and allowed the enemy to overtake them. The psalmist continues to claim their innocence, that they have done nothing wrong.
The question is, are they innocent or are they guilty of sin before God?
Let’s assume both as an option.
Option 1: Let’s assume they are innocent of wrongdoing. Then why all the suffering? Some people are quick to assume that because you are suffering you must be living in sin. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes God allows us to suffer even if we’ve been faithful to him. It’s God’s way of testing our faith. It’s a reality check – when we suffer will we keep the faith? Will we persevere if necessary? James 1:2-4 says to consider it pure joy when you face all kinds of trials because it tests one’s true faith and if we persevere we will become mature in our faith and will look more and more like Jesus.
Option 2: Now let’s assume the Israelites really were guilty of sin. So God’s allowing them to suffer is his way of disciplining them in hopes of restoring their faith and obedience with Himself. But the first step to Restoration is acknowledging you are a sinner. If you can’t do that then you’ll die in your sins. Hebrews 12:1-11 says that God disciplines those he loves, not because he gets joy out of us suffering, but rather he gets Joy out of having a restored love relationship with us.
CHALLENGE THOUGHTS:
1. Do you feel God has been testing your faith? Persevere because he wants you to mature in your faith and look more and more like Jesus and less and less like yourself.
2. Have you been walking in a way that displeases the Lord? Confess your sin to God and repent of the sin, and even get rid of anything associated with it. Then walk in a restored relationship with God ready for the newness of life he has for you.
