Psalm 44:23-26

Kunle Olabode

Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? Arise, cast us not off forever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust: our belly cleaveth unto the earth. Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake. (Psalms 44:23-26)

Some of the events of everyday life all around the world, as well as the personal difficult experiences sometimes encountered by Christians can prompt a sincere asking of the questions: Where is God in all of this? Is God mindful of the happenings around us?

Some of these confounding events includes natural disasters as seen in Haiti (earthquake and cholera outbreak); Indonesia (volcanic eruption); Pakistan (floods). Other disasters are wars, genocides and atrocities in different parts of the world; terrorism and the global financial crisis.

It was on account of such challenges that it appeared to the psalmist that God may sometimes be asleep and far removed from the happenings in the world.

In order to put matters in the right perspective, it would be helpful for believers to understand some vital points as follows.

• Satan's existence and dark influence over the affairs of mankind are clearly taught in the scriptures. Every evil on earth takes its origin and sustenance on this key fact (Ephesians 6:10-18, Matthew 25:41)


• While Satan is the chief author of evil, fallen human beings of their own will, also carry out works of darkness. These wicked acts (deliberate or inadvertent) can also cause great offence (Genesis 6:5-7)


• The scriptures warned us in advance that in the last days these perilous times will come, the fulfilment of these fore warnings is part of the proofs that God's words are yea and amen (2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 24:3-24)


• God is in control! He doesn't sleep nor slumber. He rules in sovereignty over the affairs of men and is working out all things for His glory (Hebrews 13:8; Psalm 59:13)

Therefore, let us not lose heart, as we continue to see and hear about these happenings around the world, but instead, let us be strong in our faith and resolve to follow and obey the Lord and as we do this, God will keep us from evil. Amen.