“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?”
Psalm 13:1-2
Friends, let’s stop for a moment and grieve. As David did in many of the psalms, we can pour out our sorrows to the Lord. Doing so may be a long time in coming. We often cling to idyllic, nostalgic childhood memories—running barefoot through the grass, riding bikes around the neighborhood, unwrapping presents. Those warm thoughts seem distant now from the present chilly days.
Part of this is simply growing up, and part of it is knowing that future days will never be the same. Kids roam freely less and less. We lock doors. Flesh and blood neighbors are replaced by those who like our Facebook posts. Families that held their peace until now decide that the events of the past two years are enough to cut off relationships altogether.
It is okay to ask, “How long, O Lord?” when it feels like He is hiding His face. Take time now to make your petition to Him. He delights to hear your prayers. Then follow King David into verse 5 of this psalm, and trust in God’s steadfast love. He answers our heartfelt cries with salvation in Jesus.
Part of this is simply growing up, and part of it is knowing that future days will never be the same. Kids roam freely less and less. We lock doors. Flesh and blood neighbors are replaced by those who like our Facebook posts. Families that held their peace until now decide that the events of the past two years are enough to cut off relationships altogether.
It is okay to ask, “How long, O Lord?” when it feels like He is hiding His face. Take time now to make your petition to Him. He delights to hear your prayers. Then follow King David into verse 5 of this psalm, and trust in God’s steadfast love. He answers our heartfelt cries with salvation in Jesus.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 137
Insight
After our anguish, let us cry, “I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:6).
Bible In A Year
- 1 Samuel 7-8
- Psalm 123
- 2 Corinthians 1
