HOW LONG O JEHOVAH?

Text: Psalms 13:1-6

How long,  O Jehovah?

Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?  How long will I wrestle  with my thoughts and everyday have sorrow in my heart?" (v 1-2)

This was the cry of David.  In his helplessness, anguish  and sorrow  he cries out to God truthfully, hiding nothing. It takes the awareness of what we share with God for us to come this plain before him.  David hid nothing because  he is no stranger  to God, so should we. Crying out to God in our desperation  does not mean that  we are  questioning  him or that we have lost faith in him.  He wants us to come to him just the way we are. He says in Matthew 11. "come to me all you that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest".  God does not want us to  pretend before him. Therefore,  we must learn to always come clean before him. 

How long, Lord Jehovah?  How much longer are we going to wait before your salvation comes?  Many of us can relate with this prayer. We may have been trusting God for one issue or another  over the years.  It could be a situation  in our family or marriage, a prolonged illness, lack of job,  disappointments, dwindling resources etc.  

There are problems that are beyond us. There are some we can't even share with people because of their private nature.  Many have lost faith taking counsel within themselves  over such issues.  Some who profess Christ have in their desperation resorted to suicide. What is it that brings tears to your eyes often?  What is that situation  that  keeps you turning and tossing on your bed?  God is interested in it. He wants to hear you tell him about it. Talk to him.  Let him know how troubled,  frustrated  desolate  and depressed you feel. Brother  Paul has taught us not to  worry over any situation  but to tell it to God through Thanksgiving and supplication.  This is not to undermine our problems but rather to a better way to handle it. 

but I put my trust in your unfailling love,  my heart rejoices in your salvation" (Vs 5)

That is the glory of the believer.  It is what differentiates  us from the world.  The world live hopelessly and die helplessly in their troubles and traumas  but those who trust in the Lord will  have their  expectations  fulfilled  no matter how long it takes. Because  God never fails.  He always  makes a way.  Even if he doesn't  solve a problem the way we may expect,  he grants us peace,  equanimity  and ability to live with such difficult  situation. Therefore  beloved,  God is faithful. He does not renege on his promises. Trust him with all your heart and he will show you the way out of your problems.  

Father,  it is not easy to carry a heavy heart and heavy burden for too long. Let your mercy speak for us today.  Touch those areas of our lives that we can't  do anything about. We need you father.  Come quickly and answer us in Jesus name Amen