What does Psalm 44:10 mean?

In earlier verses, the psalmist credited God with giving Israel victory in battle (Psalm 44:1–8). Here, however, he equally credits—or even "blames"—God for Israel's recent defeat. This is part of an extended complaint (Psalm 44:11–16) and claims suggesting the defeat is not justified (Psalm 44:17–22). Scripture presents human perspectives with brutal honesty. Other passages include bitter, frustrated comments from those grappling with hardship (Habakkuk 1:2–4; Psalm 73:2–3).

And yet, those pained voices eventually resolve to trust in God (Habakkuk 1:5–11; Psalm 73:15–19). Our limited perspective tempts us to interpret all trouble as a sign of God's unfairness. But believers should not praise the Lord only when conditions are favorable. First Thessalonians 5:18 instructs believers to "give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." That does not mean we thank God "for" hardship, but that we can always find reasons to thank God, even "in" hardship (Romans 5:3–5; 1 Peter 1:3–9). God is good all the time. Even when conditions seem bleak, it is important to see that God is using those conditions as part of the "all things" that "work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). James says, "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4).