Why, O God, Why!

TEXT: PSALMS 22:1, 42:5

Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble (Psalm 10:1).

My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? ...

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.

Silence from heaven

Sometimes in our lives, it seems heaven is locked against us and the silence of God is so heavy and visible. We cry to God and receive no response, it seems God is so far away from us. Then our soul become downcast and discouragement sets in. We begin to ask God: Why, O Lord, Why?

Why am I still poor? Why am I barren and unfruitful? Why have I done to deserve this delay? Why do the wicked prosper? Why? Why? Why?

Desperate cry to God

David was noted for his lamentations (Psalm 10:1, 22:1 and Psalm 42:5). He complained to God several times, pouring out his heart to the Lord in agony and tears.

When we find ourselves in similar condition of despair and disquiet, we can also pour our grievances to God in tears with groanings. It is not that God is far from us, but we are far from him. A conditioned separation that might have been caused by sin.

Sin is at the door

Isaiah 59:1-2 tells us: "Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:

But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear"

When David sinned against God, he experienced a similar period of silence from God. He prayed and fasted, but God did not answer. The child from his adulterous relationship with Uriah's wife died in spite of all his prayers. But in Psalm 51, he cried to God for mercy and God answered him and restored the joy of his salvation. We too must cry for God's mercy in times when God seems silent.

For your own good

Jesus also prayed all night to such an extent that the drops of sweat from his body were likened to blood. On the cross he lamented, "My God, My God, Why hast thou forsaken me." It was the cry of a son left to bear the sin of the whole world in order for God to provide redemption to the world through the pure blood of his son. God was silent for a good purpose.

God may not be silent because of sin, but because he wants to achieve a greater purpose in your life. He is the one that knows our end from our beginning.

Even in our moments of despair God is still with us because he promised never to leave nor forsake us. Be rest assured, God is with you in that fire. The fire will not consume you. He is with you in the den of lions, the lions will not devour you.

In his agony, David reasoned with his soul: "My soul why are thou downcast. Why are thou discouraged?"

David went on to let his downcast soul know that he will still continue to praise God in the 'fire of life', that he will recollect all the wonderful things God had done for him in the past. David encouraged himself.

Encourage yourself in the Lord

And so we must do in times when God seem to be far away and silent. Remember to praise him. Remember all he has done for you in the past. Encourage yourself in the Lord. God is not far. He is near you and working out everything for your good.

PRAYER: Father, please have mercy upon me. I will yet praise you for I know that your thoughts for me are good and not evil, to give me a hope and a future. Let your will be done in my life in Jesus name.

DECREE: I receive strength to carry on. I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. I will praise God continually.

God bless you.. Shalom.