Read: Psalm 79:5-9
How long, LORD? Will you be angry forever? How long will your jealousy burn like fire? (v. 5 NIV)
Psalm 79 is a cry from a wrecked nation. Jerusalem lies in ruins, the place of worship destroyed, and the people carried into captivity. Asaph, the writer of this psalm, doesn’t hide his pain. He looks around at the desolation and looks up to God, asking, “How long, Lord?”
In Luke 11:2 Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come,” a reminder that the world we live in needs the restorative goodness and perfection of God’s kingdom. As we recognize that the world is greatly broken, we know that its definitive healing will occur only when the fullness of God’s kingdom finally comes.
Asaph’s cry is familiar to every heart that’s been through affliction, silence, or some sort of separation from God. It’s the question that rises when life feels unfair and heaven seems silent. Yet, even in that anguish, Asaph turns to the right place; he brings his pain to God, not away from him.
In Uganda, millions of people remember the killings that took place in the different town centers on November 18-19, 2020. The events of these days and all other examples of violence, injustice, and suffering bring us to lament. We plead with God to do something, to punish evildoers and to defend all who suffer. God’s anger is real, but his compassion runs deeper. So, when we find ourselves saying, “How long, Lord?” we can also whisper in faith, “Help us, Lord, for your name’s sake.”
As you pray, ask the Lord to come into your heart and heal your hurts.
Keziah Namusaazi is the Manager for Production and Broadcasting at Words of Hope Uganda. She oversees a team spread across Uganda producing radio programs covering music, Bible studies, and counseling, empowering Ugandan leaders, pastors and churches to nurture discipleship through radio. Keziah also serves as a worship leader. To learn more about Words of Hope Uganda, visit our ministry pages.
