Why Rejected (Psalm 74)

In dark times can we feel like God has rejected us? Do we keep praying during those times? Let’s look at Psalm 74.

A contemplation by Asaph. (WEB)

Has God rejected us forever? Does He remember His purchased people?

O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—Mount Zion, where you dwelt. Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary. (Ps 74:1-3 NIV)

Do God’s enemies sometimes disrupt the meeting place? Is their motive to destroy?

Your enemies roar in the midst of Your meeting place; They set up their banners for signs. They seem like men who lift up Axes among the thick trees. And now they break down its carved work, all at once, With axes and hammers. They have set fire to Your sanctuary; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them altogether.” They have burned up all the meeting places of God in the land. (Ps 74:4-8 NKJV)

Have miraculous signs disappeared from our meetings? Have faithful preachers of God’s word gone?

We no longer see your miraculous signs. All the prophets are gone, and no one can tell us when it will end. How long, O God, will you allow our enemies to insult you? Will you let them dishonor your name forever? Why do you hold back your strong right hand? Unleash your powerful fist and destroy them. (Ps 74:9-11 NLT)

Who is our true King? Who alone saves the earth and provides for us?

Yet God is my King of old, working salvation throughout the earth. You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters. You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces. You gave him as food to people and desert creatures. You opened up spring and stream. You dried up mighty rivers. The day is yours, the night is also yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. You have set all the boundaries of the earth. You have made summer and winter. (Ps 74:12-17 WEB)

Do we ask God to remember how atheists abuse His name? Do we still trust God in the midst of both mild and severe persecution?

So remember this, Lord: how enemies have insulted you, how unbelieving fools have abused your name. Don’t deliver the life of your dove to wild animals! Don’t forget the lives of your afflicted people forever! Consider the covenant! Because the land’s dark places are full of violence. Don’t let the oppressed live in shame. No, let the poor and needy praise your name! (Ps 74:18-21 CEB)

Should we learn to keep the peace in our churches, disagree agreeably over non-essentials of our common faith, or argue and cause trouble?

People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom. (Gal 5:19-21 CEV)

In dark times can we feel like God has rejected us? Do we keep praying during those times? You decide!