Holding on When You Want to Let GoSample

Day Three

How Long?

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-3; Psalm 25:16-17; Matthew 27:46

Whenever I’m struggling, I open my Bible. I’m sure that sounds very basic, but for me, it’s life and breath. In all my times of self-doubt, of insecurity, I anchor myself to the Word of God, and I remember that I’m not alone even when I feel like I am. Feelings can be powerful liars. 

Some of David’s most vulnerable psalms, the ones that bring comfort and hope, were written when he felt most alone and abandoned, not only by friends but by God Himself. In Psalm 13:1-3, he writes, 

O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 

Turn and answer me, O Lord my God!

Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. 

Even though David feels as if God has forgotten him, that’s who he takes his complaint to. He’s exhausted and depressed, he’s been on the run from King Saul, who wants to kill him, and David is simply at the end of his rope. He doesn’t want God to help him tomorrow. He needs help and he needs it now. In his desperation, feeling so alone, he cries out to God. 

Turn to me and have mercy,

for I am alone and in deep distress. 

My problems go from bad to worse.

Oh, save me from them all!

—Psalm 25:16–17

With David, we cry out, “How long? How long? How long? How long?” Like David, we feel as if God has forgotten where we live or, perhaps even worse, has turned and looked the other way. 

When you find yourself in a place where you are crying out in pain, begging God to listen to your prayer, to change your situation, to intervene in the way only He can and He doesn’t, know that Christ has been there too. There is nothing you and I will face that Christ has not already faced. He has felt the weight of our pain. We are never, ever alone, even when it feels as if we are.

Father God, at times, I feel so alone. Thank You that You are holding me in the waiting time. Amen.