Psalm 44: A Prayer When God Is Silent
"IS NOT GOD silent about Stalingrad? What do we hear above and under its ruins? Do we not hear the roar of artillery, the tumult of the world and the cries of the dying? But where is the voice of God? When we think of God, is it not suddenly so quiet, so terribly quiet, in the witch's kitchen of this hell, that one can hear a pin drop even though grenades are bursting around us? There is neither voice nor answer" (The Silence of God, Helmut Thielicke,[Grand Rapids, Mich.: Eerdmans, 1962]). The silence of God is perhaps one of life's most frightening experiences. What do we do, how do we proceed when God is silent? Do we withdraw in fear? Do we give up all hope? This is certainly our temptation. This psalm shows us another way. It opens the way for us to pursue God even when he is silent.
Warming Up to God
Think of a time when a friend did not respond to a letter or a phone message for a long time. What was your reaction to his or her silence?
Read Psalm 44. »
Discovering the Word
- How does the writer contrast God in the past (vv. 1-8) with God in the present (vv. 9-16)?
- The psalmist argues with God that the situation he and his people find themselves in is not fair. How does he express this (vv. 17-22)?
- What is the significance of this plea for fairness and justice?
- The psalmist summarizes his accusations of God in verses 23 and 24. What does he accuse God of?
- In the final phrase of the psalm (v. 26), the writer appeals to God's unfailing love. This is a dramatic contrast to the accusations he has just made. How can these views of God be reconciled?
Applying the Word
- Think of a time when it seemed God was silent. How did your experience at that time compare with the experiences described in this psalm?
- Think of a time when you experienced God's unfailing love. How would you describe that experience?
- What encouragement does this psalm offer you for times when God seems silent?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to help you to understand his ways and grant you peace when you are waiting for his voice.
For Further Study
Hearing God by Dallas Willard