Words of Hope Daily Devotional
How Long, O Lord?
Read: Psalm 13
I have trusted in your steadfast love. (v. 5)
There have been times in my life when I felt deep despair. It felt like the world was crushing me, like everything was more difficult than it should be. I found myself losing patience with God. Why didn’t he answer my prayers? Why didn’t I feel his presence? In those times, I had to wait. It was a necessary spiritual discipline that grew my trust in God.
Although we may grow tired, and even angry waiting for God, today’s Psalm gives us words to pray. The phrase asking “how long?” occurs four times in the first two verses of Psalm 13, stressing the severity of David’s despair. He felt forgotten and invisible, but as he expressed his anxiety and sorrow to God, he found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to profess hope and trust in God (v. 5). As he cried out, his eyes began to focus again on the God of his salvation. In our trials, we can do the same—focusing on God and learning to cherish everything he offers (v. 6).
It’s easy to think God has abandoned us when things go awry. But David reminds us, when we’re honest with and centered on God, that such trials can strengthen our faith. Even when everything seems out of control, God is there with us to protect us. So, if situations have turned unfavorable in our lives, we shouldn’t doubt God’s presence in our lives—look around and rejoice—he’s everywhere.
As you pray, ask how you can rejoice today amid your difficulties.
About the Author
Ariana D. Den Bleyker is a Pittsburgh native currently residing in New York’s Hudson Valley. She is the author of two devotional poetry collections,To Be Held by the LightandWaking in the Light. She is an ordained deacon in the Reformed Church of America.
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