Psalm 13: 1, 2 “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? “
Have you ever had a time when you cried out to God and felt like He wasn’t listening or wasn’t even there? Somehow we think that if we just call out His name we should feel a sudden surge of peace come over us. After all, we have heard others tell us to just cry out to the Lord and He will come to our rescue. Although this is true, it is not always immediately; sometimes His answer is to wait.
We notice throughout the Psalms that David felt this way many times as well. He would cry out to God and ask Him why He doesn’t answer Him; why He doesn’t rescue Him; how long will he have to struggle? I have to tell you that it is quite comforting to know that David, the man after God’s own heart, would feel such sorrow as I have felt. I’m not reveling in the fact that he felt such anguish; not at all, it’s that even in his anguish he never lost hope.
In Psalm 13:5, 6, we read of David’s faith. “But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He has been so good to me.”
At the beginning of David’s prayer he keeps asking God “How long?” David was sharing his heart with his Friend, God. He knew he could be open and honest regarding his feelings. By the end of David’s prayer we see his faith. God did not answer his prayer right away. David was affirming he would continue to trust God no matter how long he would have to wait. He knew from past experience that God was listening; He will answer; He will rescue him; and that God’s unfailing love has always been just and good to him.
Dear Heavenly Father, when we feel like You are not listening, or impatient regarding Your response, may we hold fast to our faith and hope in Your unfailing love.
9 comments:
Reading David's words and prayers encourages me.
Hope you have a nice week!
Absolutely beautiful post! I, too, have asked God, "How long?" Many times. Once, when I asked, He waited 8 years, and then told me, "No." But He provided what I needed 2 years later. Not the answer to my prayer, but what I *needed*.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I am encouraged by your comments and glad you like the acrostic. Feel free to use it, or anything on my blog, credited to A Magnolia's Heart Beats ` http://www.magnoliaheartbeats.blogspot.com/ if in print, or if you're sharing it by word of mouth, from a sister in Christ! I pray it touches many lives.
I love the way David lays it all out there, unafraid to give God all of his fears and feelings and doubts and how God takes him back to a place of faith. A great example for us. God is a BIG God and can handle our doubts and fears and complaints. It is only when we give it all to Him that He can take it and turn it around for us.
Thank you for your prayers for Sandy.. I spoke with Sandy and I told her that there are many beautiful ladies praying for her.. She is in good spirits, her husband is not doing as well as she is.. I spoke with him and he has to take the baby home today..... New Father with new baby and wife facing open heart surgery is a tough pill to swallow........ Remember David when you pray.....
I am back online sweetie, have really missed you. I love you.
Thank God for the assurance that He listens to our prayers; He will answer in His time; He will rescue us; and God's unfailing love has always been just and good to us. I need to hear this today. It greatly strengthen my heart to continue to trust in Him. Thanks for sharing with us. May God shower His love and peace upon you. Take care!
I love the book of Psalms it is an encouraging book to read when you are down in the dumps. Truly lifts you up and realize what love, hope and faith we have in the Lord.
Love, Heather
What a Great post, If we can remember to Let Go---Let God!! I know there are times I even struggle, until he whispers to me to let go.
Thank you, I will ponder this for the day
Blessings
Sharon
I am so glad I found your blog. It is beautiful, and fills me with peace when I read what you have written and listen to the music you provide here.
I, too, have at times asked God "How long?" ~ especially in the past 2 years ~ In my impatience and worry, He blessed me to today with your writing.
God bless you in all you do.
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