The problem of evil is addressed here on a national level. The book of Judges likely resolved this at such a level: if the nation sinned, it was punished. However, this solution was found unsatisfactory for individuals. The stories of Job and many others disproved the idea that there is a necessary link between sin and suffering. The solution remains surprisingly effective, even for the nation, and the confused psalmist can only pray. Elijah had humorously suggested to the prophets of Baal that their god might be asleep—can Yahweh sleep as well? But the psalmist’s language reflects the urgency of the moment, much like ours might be when we think of persecuted devout Christians. It is not our role to decipher the mystery but to pray for our persecuted brothers and sisters. Leave the rest to God!
On one hand, the psalmist praises God, showing full faith and confidence in him; on the other hand, he blames God for his misfortunes! When our focus is not on our goal, success becomes impossible. At those times, we are only to blame, not God. Consider Peter in Matthew 14:29-31; with faith, he started to walk on water toward Jesus, but when his focus shifted, he panicked and began to sink. Finally, when he cried, “Lord, save me!” Jesus extended his hand and caught him. Aren’t we all, in some way, like Peter? But Peter changed and received eternal salvation, and like him, we too can attain eternal life if we change!
We can pray with this psalm, sharing in the pain of the Church and our brothers and sisters, who are treated as sheep headed for slaughter. But there is a Redeemer who will save us.