Psalm 44 is the lament of people who have been faithful to God, yet are suffering terrible persecution. Verse 22 is quoted by Paul in Romans 8:36; "“For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” (ESV) This hymn is a close paraphrase of Psalm 44, written in September, 2015. Lyrics:

O GOD, WE HAVE HEARD (from Psalm 44) Words and music by Mary Rose Jensen Words from Psalm 44

Verse 1 O God, we have heard, our fathers have told What work you performed in the old days. Your hand drove out nations and spread them abroad. You planted Your people in this land. Not by their sword, nor by their arm, But Your strength and light, for You loved them.

Verse 2 God, You are my King, command victories For Jacob against adversaries. Through Your name we’ll trample down those who rise up, Our enemies who are against us. Not in my bow, nor in my sword, But I trust in You for salvation.

Verse 3 When victory comes we know it’s from You. You save us and shame those who hate us. Our boasting is only in God all day long. But though we will praise You forever You cast us off, put us to shame You do not go out with our armies.

Verse 4 You make us retreat, our foes take the spoil. You give us as sheep to be eaten. Among far off nations You scatter us now. And You sell Your people for nothing. We’re a reproach, scorned and disdained, And You didn’t even make profit.

Verse 5 Our neighbors deride, You make us a joke, A laughingstock to all the peoples. I know I’m dishonored and mocked all day long I hear all the taunts that revile me. Who is the voice present with me? The enemy and the avenger.

Verse 6 All this came on us though we were not false Your covenant was not forgotten Our heart never turned back, our steps go to You. Our feet never strayed from Your pathway. We have been crushed where jackals are. You covered us with deadly shadows.

Verse 7 We don’t forget You or worship strange gods. You know this, for You know all secrets. But it is for Your sake we’re killed all day long, Regarded as sheep to be slaughtered. Why do You sleep? Wake and arise! LORD, do not reject us forever.

Verse 8 O why do You hide Your face and forget Our misery and our oppression. For our soul is bowed down into the dust. Our body is clinging to earth, LORD. Rise up and help and redeem us. Because of Your great lovingkindness.

Tune: DEEPWATER Words and music © 2015 Garden Rose Music, P.O. Box 16040, Sugar Land, TX 77496 800 746-4476 CCLI # 7052867 http://www.gardenrosemusic.com http://www.scoreexchange.com/profiles/maryrosejensen