How long must suffering endure?
Today we read psalms collected under the title of Asaph. And while each one is unique in it's own right, we do see some common themes through out. We see the outpouring of God's wrath upon the earth, the continued existence of suffering, and this one question repeated often: "How long?"
How long must I endure this sickness? How long must my emotional pain last? How long must I wet my bed with the tears of sorrow? How long will my enemies taunt me? How long will I be poor and wasted? How long will injustice prevail? How long...?
One of these questions may be very personal to you. Perhaps you are long enduring something else and you ask God, "How long?" Each of these questions have the same end in mind: When will the promised righteousness of God prevail?
I believe we find ourselves asking these questions when we are at our weakest points. When we are down and out and can't recall the last time God has moved in our life. It's in these times that we "forget" the greatness and glory of God and "forget" all the marvelous things he has done. Just consider Asaph's answer to these questions:
So when we find ourselves asking "How long oh Lord?" remember the works of the Lord. Meditate in all his works and speak of all his doings. You can read about them in the Scriptures. You can recall them in your prayer journal (if you keep one). They will proclaim the victory of the Lord; they will teach you of his justice and righteousness.Will the Lord cast off for ever?And will he be favourable no more?Is his mercy clean gone for ever?Doth his promise fail for evermore?Hath God forgotten to be gracious?Hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.I will remember the works of the LORD:Surely I will remember thy wonders of old.I will meditate also of all thy work,And talk of thy doings.(Psalm 77:7-12)
In Christ,
Jay Silvas
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