Psalm 13.1,2 How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
These are the words of David, whom God calls, the man after My own heart. These are the words of David as they are inspired of The Holy Ghost to become a part of sacred Scripture. Obviously David is hurting, discouraged and perhaps experiencing mental and emotional anguish. But here is something that I want you to grasp this morning, beloved. In the midst of all of that stuff swirling around in David’s heart, mind and emotions; The Lord was indeed present, but he was unaware of it. Sound familiar?
Perhaps this morning you are crying out to God “How long” about some wayward child or unsaved spouse. Perhaps your “How long” concerns a health or financial issue. To cry out when in despair is indeed what we should do. The writer to the Hebrews puts it like this. Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Precious promise. Nevertheless, we often times find ourselves so consumed by our problems or pain that even after we pour out our hearts to God, we are oblivious to the comforting fact that Jesus Christ is with us always.
Resist the tendency to allow your “how longs?” to eclipse the reality of God’s very present help in time of trouble. Selah
