Awakened by Faith: The Cry for Deliverance

"We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them; how thou didst afflict the people, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them."
In the art, echoes of the past are portrayed by images of ancient battles and moments of divine intervention. The scene captures the stories passed down from previous generations, tales of how God’s hand led them to victory and how His favor secured their future. These verses remind us of the importance of remembering God's faithfulness in our history, both personal and collective. In real life, these verses urge individuals to rely not on their strength but on God's power, trusting that victories in life are often the result of divine favor rather than human effort.
"Thou art my King, O God: command deliverances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah."
The artwork displays a humble warrior, kneeling in prayer, with his sword laid aside. This symbolizes the psalmist’s declaration of trust in God over military might. The imagery emphasizes that no matter the tools at our disposal, true deliverance comes only from God. This resonates with life today, as people face their battles not merely with physical tools or strategies but with faith, knowing that it is through God’s strength that we overcome obstacles and challenges.
"But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies... Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us."
In this section of the artwork, the tone darkens. The figure of the warrior is now surrounded by shadows, symbolizing a sense of abandonment. The contrast between the glorious victories of the past and the present shame reflects the psalmist's feelings of confusion and sorrow over God’s apparent absence in their current struggles. The message resonates with many today who have felt the weight of shame or isolation, especially in moments when it seems God is distant or silent. This passage speaks to the vulnerability of faith when God’s presence seems hidden, yet the psalmist continues to reach out, calling on Him for help.
"All this is come upon us; yet have we not forgotten thee, neither have we dealt falsely in thy covenant... Though thou hast sore broken us in the place of dragons, and covered us with the shadow of death."
The imagery of a barren landscape, a place of dragons and shadows, reflects the psalmist's sense of being broken and lost in a hostile world. Yet amidst this desolation, there remains a small flicker of light—a symbol of unwavering faith. This reflects the psalmist’s commitment to God, even in the face of extreme hardship and suffering. In life, this reminds us that faith does not always prevent suffering but can sustain us through it, as we hold onto God's promises even when we feel broken.
"Awake, why sleepest thou, O Lord? arise, cast us not off for ever... Arise for our help, and redeem us for thy mercies' sake."
The artwork climaxes with a powerful image of hands reaching up toward heaven, pleading for God to awaken and redeem. This cry reflects the psalmist’s desperate plea for God to intervene, to no longer remain hidden but to show His mercy and deliver His people. This reflects the real-life experiences of many who have cried out to God in times of need, seeking His intervention when all hope seems lost. The psalm ends with a call for redemption, reminding us that no matter how long the silence, God's mercy is our ultimate hope and salvation.
Psalm 44 speaks to the timeless human struggle of faith in the midst of adversity. It acknowledges both the history of God's faithfulness and the pain of His apparent absence in moments of suffering. The artwork captures this tension, presenting a visual journey of trust, despair, and hope. The call for God to awaken and redeem is a powerful reminder for all who feel forgotten or forsaken that God's mercy is ever-present, even when hidden. In modern life, this psalm helps individuals to hold onto their faith during trials, trusting that God will arise for their help in due time, just as He has done for generations before.
The title "Awakened by Faith: The Cry for Deliverance" encapsulates the essence of this psalm and the artwork, highlighting the deep connection between faith and God's saving power, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. It serves as a reminder to all that God’s deliverance comes not from our strength but from His divine intervention, and that His mercy is our enduring hope.