How Long To Hope

Brothers and sisters, our song will be no different. You may be suffering unspeakable pain; there’s going to be a day, God promises you, there’s going to be a day and you’re going to say, “What I didn’t know.” He has dealt bountifully.

We have even more reason to be certain than David did. These words don’t only give voice to David’s heart. There was another person who felt these things. He actually was a descendant of David. His name was Jesus. He cried a very similar cry, quoting from a Psalm. Psalm 22. “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Here’s the difference. His suffering didn’t take him by surprise. His suffering was completely undeserved; and unlike us, God really did forsake Him. He forsook Him because He took upon Himself our sin. He forsook Him so that we would not be forsaken. He hid His face from Jesus so that He could shine His face upon ours.

Jesus knows how you feel. He went before us, so that we might never ever be separated from the love of God, which is found in Christ Jesus.

CONCLUSION:

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, like your prayers are unheard or that God is distant, I want you to know you’re not alone. Psalm 13 is an expression of what many of us experience — the weight of suffering, the silence of God, and the fear that we are alone. But David doesn’t stay in that place. He brings his doubts, his pain, and his confusion before God. He cries out honestly, just like you and I sometimes do.

And then, he remembers. He remembers who God is — He is faithful, loving, and ever-present -- even when we can’t feel it. David moves from frustration to trust. That’s where we’re invited to go too. It may be hard, especially when life feels heavy, but in those moments of struggle, remember that God hasn’t forgotten you. His love for you hasn’t changed. He promises to be with you, even in the darkest times. He’s working in your life in ways you might not see or fully understand.

Even when life feels uncertain, you can rest in His salvation. God has dealt bountifully with you — His grace is more than enough for whatever you're facing. No matter how long might last, you are not forgotten. He is right there with you, and He will bring you through this.

Take comfort. Come to Him, and enjoy the same trust that David found — trust in God's unfailing love. You don’t have to understand everything right now. God is good, and He is working everything for your good -- even now, and for all eternity.

“I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

(1) Swindoll, C. (2022) "The Story of Chippy, Hopeful Heart." Available at: http://www.hopefulheart.net/word-of-the-day/the-story-of-chippy (Accessed: 21 November 2024).

(2) Gabriel, Charles H., (1900) "O That Will Be Glory"