DC Devotion: Psalm 44
BY MASON FRIDLEY, STUDENT COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR AT AU
Breathe in; breathe out
Isn’t it so normal to be mad at God? Let’s not sugarcoat reality; sometimes we’re just angry with him, and we feel justified. That’s how I feel with this Psalm. It’s so beautiful how they struggle with this spiritual imbalance.
“The Sons of Korah” (as they are called) open this beautiful song with truths about God. “With your hand you drove out the nations and planted our ancestors (v. 2).” They declare God ruler of all creation (v. 4), and yet there is an annoyance in their tone, dare I say, furiosity and abandonment.
“But now you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies (v. 9).” There is a sense of brokenness in this tone. Ask yourself honestly, “Do I feel rejected by God?” and see what emotions he brings to the front of your heart.
Maybe there’s a relationship you’ve seen disappear, one that you put all your faith in. Or maybe it’s a job or entrepreneurial prospect you had high hopes for, and it crumbled. Maybe there’s church hurt in there.
Whatever that is for you, don’t run from it. Let God take you there. He wants you to go to him with these feelings. If you’re mad, be mad! If you’ve been told to act a certain way in the presence of God, I challenge you to fight that. Be undignified before God, and show him the real you. He gave you those feelings, and there’s nothing you can do that God will turn away from.
Jesus, show me the hurt in my heart today. Bring me to a place where I can be honest and vulnerable with you. I don’t want to be fake in front of you, I want to honor you with the emotions you gave me. Thank you for your love, mercy, and grace, and I humble my whole body and spirit before you today. Amen.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.