A Psalm To Sing In Times of Trouble

By Mary Vee
From Psalm 44

From the Psalms the Exiles Sang

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Most of the Jews from Judah have been taken as prisoners to Babylon. A few weeks ago we heard about Daniel and his friends Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. God told Daniel they would be there for seventy years.

In the Old Testament we often see songs sung by the people to God about their situation. While in exile, the Jews continued to sing songs, praises and cries to the Almighty God. 

This is a good Psalm for us to remember when we are facing trouble. This is their song found in Psalm 44:





Our fathers have told us, O God what you did in days long ago. You drove out the nations giving our fathers a place to live. 

It wasn't by our fathers' sword or anything thing else they did, the victory was yours. You did this because you loved them.

When we have battles, we don't trust in our bow or sword. You and you alone bring the victory over our enemies. We will praise your name forever.

But times have changed. You have humbled us.

For your sake we face death all day long. 

Rise up and help us.

Redeem us because of your unfailing love.


(from Psalm 74)

Remember the people you purchased of old.
You, O God, are my king from of old. You bring salvation upon the earth

(from Psalm 79)
O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance. hey have defiled your holy temple. They have reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your name. Deliver us and forgive our sins for your name's sake.

(from Psalm 80)
Here us, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine before Ephraim, Benjaamin, and Manasseh. Awaken your might. Come and save us. 

(from Psalm 89)

I will sing of the Lord's great love forever. With my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

I will say that your love stands firm forever. That you establish your faithfulness in heaven itself. 

The heavens praise your wonders, O Lord. Your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones. 

For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord/ Who is like the Lod among the heavenly beings?

O Lord God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

Praise be to the Lord forever! Amen and Amen

(from Psalm 137)

By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. There on the poplars we hung our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs. Our tormentors demanded songs of joy. They said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion."

How can we sing he songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? 

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1. Where are the Jews?
2. Why are they there?
3. What are they asking of God?
4. Which Psalms are included here?