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Psalm 44:17-26  

All this came upon us, though we had not forgotten you; we had not been false to your covenant. Our hearts had not turned back; our feet had not strayed from your path. But you crushed us and made us a haunt for jackals; you covered us over with deep darkness. If we had forgotten the name of our God or spread out our hands to a foreign god, would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart? Yet for your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love.

Sometimes tough times come and we know why. The consequences are the result of a self-inflicted wound. Sometimes the hard times have no clear explanation. The pain comes with confusion and frustration. We feel like God has fallen asleep.

That’s what Israel felt in today’s passage. They have just suffered a devastating defeat and they can’t figure out why God allowed it. They are certain that they have not turned their backs on God or strayed from His path. They feel the consequences were undeserved.

Maybe you feel that way today. You have not forgotten God. You are not living in secret sin. But you are going through a tough time and wondering, “Why?” I don’t know the answer. I do know that God never wastes our time. Tell Him what is on your heart. Ask Him to “rise up and help” you. His love has not failed you. He is preparing you today for what He has for you tomorrow. Trust Him…even in the pain, confusion, and frustration.

Father, tough times are tough enough when I know the “why?” But confusion comes with the pain when I feel that You have sent undeserved consequences. Help me cry out to You with an honest heart. I trust in Your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.