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“How long O Lord will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?” Psalm 13:1 (ESV)

We don’t have to endure anything uncomfortable for long before the words “How long Lord?” echoes from our lips. We love comfortable and easy, so when hard and waiting rises to the surface we want relief and a quick resolve.

The Psalmist David in Psalm 13 opens up with a huge lament; “How long O Lord will you forget me forever?” Scholars don’t attribute this Psalm to any specific period of David’s life although we know he spent a lot of time running and hiding from King Saul who sought his life. David’s desperate plea for resolution resonated, “I need You Lord to intervene on my behalf.” I’m sure we’ve all found ourselves there eager for God to come to our rescue.

During this period of isolation, I wonder if God is asking us to remember Him rather than zeroing in our relief. Throughout the Bible God allowed devastating circumstances in the lives of His children to draw their hearts back to Him. The challenges we face today are no different. It’s so easy to desire a solution versus press into the Solution Giver. It’s simpler to focus on what we want and need versus zero in on what He may want to accomplish in us. It’s often our default response to forget relationship with God trumps ease, comfort and resolve.

So the deep question I ask myself is how long will we continue to forget God? Am I pursuing Him and waiting to hear and know Him more? Am I hiding His word away in my heart and reciting it back to Him in full confidence that He is in control? Am I missing out on a chance to zero my focus and attention on Him?

Out of His steadfast and enduring love God is calling the world to engage intimately with Him. The choice is up to us – He is patiently waiting eager to welcome us into His presence. Let’s not forget Him!

“Sweet Jesus I confess our world seeks comfort and pleasure and when it evaporates, we still don’t turn our hearts back to You. Help us to not get absorbed in doing or simply wasting precious moments You have ordained for us. Help us each to evaluate how our hearts are remembering and focusing in on You. Give us consistency and intentionality in redeeming the time You have given us.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life