"You drove out the pagan nations" refers to the conquest of Canaan (the Promised Land) described in the book of Joshua. God gave the land to the Israelites; they were supposed to enter and drive out anyone who was wicked and opposed to God. Israel was told to settle the land and to be a witness to the world of God's power and love. Surrounded by enemies, the psalm writer remembered what God had done for his people and took heart. We can have this same confidence in God when we feel attacked.
Psalms 44:1
This psalm may have been sung at an occasion like the one in 2Ch 20:18-19, where the faithful Jehoshaphat was surrounded by enemies and the Levites sang to the Lord before the battle.
Psalms 44:6-7
In whom or in what do you trust? Only God is trustworthy. He will never let you down.
Psalms 44:9-22
Israel had been defeated despite their faith (Psa 44:17) and obedience (Psa 44:18) to God. The psalm writer could not understand why God allowed this to happen, but he did not give up hope of discovering the answer (Psa 44:17-22). Although he felt his suffering was undeserved, he revealed the real reason for it: He suffered because he was committed to the Lord. Paul quoted the psalm writer's complaint (Rom 8:36) to show that we must always be ready to face death for the cause of Christ. Thus, our suffering may not be a punishment but a battle scar that demonstrates our loyalty.
Psalms 44:22-26
The writer cried out to God to save his people because of his unfailing love. Nothing can separate us from God's love, not even death (Rom 8:36-39). When you fear for your life, ask God for deliverance, and remember that even death cannot separate you from him.
Psalms 44:23-25
The writer's words suggest that he did not believe God had left him. God was still in control, but he seemed to be asleep, and the writer wondered why. In the New Testament, the disciples wondered why Jesus was asleep when they needed his help during a storm (Mar 4:35-41). In both cases, of course, God was ready to help, but he wanted first to build faith in his followers.
