[:en]The writer of this Psalm was recalling the History of Israel of what he had heard. He described how God had driven out other nations and planted the nation of Israel in the land. Their history revealed one miracle after another – the deliverance from Egypt, the opening of the Red Sea, the path through the wilderness, victories over great armies, the opening of the Jordan River, and the conquering of the Holy Land.
Those are memories of good old days. But now, he described the people as sheep being slaughtered, they being a reproach to their neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around them and a byword among the nations (vs. 13-14). Why had this happened? It happened because God’s people had rebelled agianst God. They did not heed the messages of the prophets. Their worship was superficial. People were going to the temple, attending services, offering sacrifices but their heart was not in it. God had to chasten them because of their rebellion.
The writer felt that God was asleep when he wrote: “Awake O Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression?” (vs. 23-24, 26)
Reflection:
- If you have a discouraging day, try to remember the great things that God has done for you. His power to perform miracles is still availble to you today. You can have some “new good days” because He is a living God and His promises are still valid.
- Do you see failures and not victories in your life? Try to examine yourself if there is anything between you and God that needs to be straightened out. When you rebel against God, God will discipline you but He will also restore you by His grace.
- Have you ever had the feeling that God was asleep because He does not care and is not listening to your prayer? In Psalm 121:4, it says that “He who keeps Israel does not slumber or sleep”. “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are open to their cry” (Ps. 34:15). God does not sleep. He may delay your petition because He wants to do His will at the best time and bring Him the most glory. Since His timing is perfect, we must learn to wait without complaining. God is not asleep. He is working in you, for you and with you.
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