Psalm 44

Over the last few years I have been confronted with an uncomfortable idea.  This thought has nagged at my mind since Hurricane Katrina wiped out so much of New Orleans, the tsunami took so many lives in Indonesia, and the earthquake devastated Port au Prince, Haiti. 

In the aftermath of these events I remember certain evangelical leaders stepping up to declare that they had divined God’s will in these events  to punish the people for their wickedness.  New Orleans is, after all, a city of debauchery.  Indonesia suppresses Christianity.  The island nation of Haiti is full of Voodoo and has been dedicated to the devil at least twice.  It’s like the old axiom, “Where there is smoke, there is fire.”  The logic follows that where there is devastation, God’s wrath must have been poured out.  At the time, I remember the outcry against these leaders.  I myself spoke up against them and denied that God would do such a thing. 

I find myself questioning my original stance, though.  And I believe that Psalm 44 makes some strong statements on this topic that need to be listened to and prayed about. 

The first third (roughly) of this psalm recalls God’s great deeds of salvation, establishing Israel, doing miraculous deeds beyond their power to give them the Promised Land.  The next third, however, takes an uncomfortable turn.  “But you have rejected us and disgraced us …,” write the Sons of Korah.  There is no doubt in their minds in regard to where the disasters that have befallen Israel came from; they are from God.  The final third is split between the complaint of innocence before God and a bold prayer for God to, “rouse,” Himself to His people’s defense. 

Is it possible that God … allows? … brings about? … causes? … difficulties in our lives? 

It seems that the answer is, “Yes.” 

A couple important things need to be said here, then. 

First, in regard to God’s wrath against sin, we should make no mistake that God fully poured out his wrath on Jesus when He atoned for our sins.  In regard to our standing before the Father in Heaven, we stand in the righteousness of the Son and we, too, boldly proclaim our innocence before the Lord.  “Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from Your way ….”  In Christ, these words are absolutely true, and that is our confidence and salvation. 

Second, we live in a sinful world, and we are sinful people.  (We are always completely saints and sinners.)  Wherever sin prevails, there will be death and destruction.  God’s just judgment and the consequence of sin will be seen and experienced in the midst of mankind’s unjust actions.  But whenever God acts in His justice, He seeks to draw people to repentance.  Indeed, repentance is the correct response to natural disasters!  As Christians confronted with catastrophes we call upon the Lord of heaven and earth to have mercy!  Because of His steadfast love, God does just that. 

This is a difficult thing; an uncomfortable topic.  Let us then trust God to do what is good.  And when we do not understand, let us throw ourselves on God’s loving kindness, call on him to “Rise up; come to our help!” and see what He will do. 

Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and strengthen our faith that I may trust in You always.  Amen.