Psalm 44:23-26 “Wake up! Why do you sleep, Lord? Arise! Don’t reject us forever. Why do you hide your face, and forget our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust. Our body clings to the earth. Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your loving kindness’ sake.”

Should we command God? While I certainly don’t think we can or should hide how we feel from God, I’m not sure that this is the best way to approach Him! But perhaps we should understand this as a plea from a hurting heart. Israel is God’s chosen people. They can’t believe that God wouldn’t help them. Are they being presumptuous? Certainly. God has constantly reminded them that there are consequences for not following the covenant. But they also know that, even if this is a result of their own unfaithfulness, God still loves them, and He is the only one they can or should cry out to.

For additional worship: Matt Maher – Lord, I Need You