SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                1030

“In His Time”

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? (Psalm 13:1-2)

I do not wait well. I have to prayerfully practice patience every day especially when a deadline looms. I have noticed that my patience level wears thinnest when I am weary and tired from working and in need of rest. It is during those times, which I confess are more frequent, that I cry out, ‘How long, O Lord?’

There is comfort to be found in God’s Word in that He reveals to us that what we are experiencing is common to our human nature and was experienced by great men of faith: David, Habakkuk, and Elijah – even Jesus. Jacob’s well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. (John 4:6)

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? (Habakkuk 1:2)

But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.”(1 Kings 19:4)

The Word of God is also rich in encouragement as we wait for the Lord. The first is a reminder that God is beyond our finite time-bound life. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you… (2 Peter 3:8-9)

God reveals to us through His Word His love for us and His promise to take us through weary times and restore us. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison… (2 Corinthians 4:17)

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish. (Jeremiah 31:25)

Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! (Psalm 31:24)

Whatever trial or difficulty is causing you to be weary and tired of waiting, find comfort and encouragement in the Living Word of God. Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

David began his psalm crying out to God. He was direct and to the point in his complaint. David ended his prayer with an expression of faith and trust for he encouraged himself in the Lord.

But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Psalm 13: 5-6)

May the Lord comfort and encourage you as He leads you through difficult and weary times.