O God, you have rejected us….This is the first line of this communal lament. You have been angry with us. And yet, oh, restore us. Although once lost and wondering, this is not a prayer of people in the wilderness, but of a people living in their promised land. They have an identity - they recognize they are God’s beloved ones. But, He has made his people see hard things.
Experiencing and expressing grief is difficult. Does this resonate with your life? Have you felt the comfort of being his beloved, living in an abundant land, and yet circumstances seem to be tearing your land apart and you’re asking “Why?” “Why are you rejecting me now, God?”.
The beauty of this psalm is the hope of salvation in the Lord and his promises declared to his people. God has set up a banner for those who fear him. He gives us somewhere (in Someone) to fix our eyes upon that we may flee - not only away from the bow - but towards something better. God in his holiness speaks promises that are unwavering so that when we feel rejected and do face struggles and pain, we can trust in his promises—even when we are blind to his presence. Our help in sorrow is not in our human ability alone for vain is the salvation of man! But, the word of the Lord is true and unchanging, which grants us a steadfast hope in His promise to provide our salvation.
— Dana Holtkamp