Despairing Question
The fifth and sixth stanzas (vv. 17–19, 20–22) forthrightly proclaim lack of cause for God’s treatment: “All this is come on us, yet we have not forgotten you nor have we dealt falsely in your covenant” (v. 17).
Have you ever felt that way? “Why me? Why is God picking on me? Why has He allowed all these hateful circumstances into my life? I just don’t understand it.”
Ironic melancholy settles on the prayer as the psalm writer dejectedly laments that God’s treatment of us is no different than sheep—we are alive only to be killed (v. 22). It is a premise to which Paul shouts an emphatic “No!” in Romans 8:36-37.
Why does Paul say no? He says no to being a victim, but says yes to being a victor: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
