How Long, O Lord?
Psalm 70:1 (NKJV) Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord.
Have you ever felt this way? I've had times in my life, as I'm sure you have, where the onslaught of attacks on my job, mind, body, relationships, family, and finances were relentless. It felt as if we were drowning and desperately needed a break so we could come up for air. In those seasons, it seems like we are living in a fog that prevents us from seeing past our current heartache, fear, exhaustion, pain, and despair. What I've discovered, is that the longer I'm focused on the problem and complain about my situation the longer I remain there.
The Lord said that He wished above all things that we prosper and be in health EVEN AS OUR SOUL PROSPERS. His heart toward you is pure love...a love like you've never experienced or imagined. So, if we put our lives into the hands of such a loving Father, why is it that He allows us to experience such trying situations? His plan for our lives is greater than our deficient perceptions. He has said in His Word that His ways are not our ways, but the truth is, they are on an entirely other level that is way beyond our comprehension. His love transcends the limits of what we perceive it to be. In our limited understanding, blessings and favor equals true love, but He sees beyond the temporal. He does desire to bless us, but what He wants more is to give us strength as we develop a personal relationship with Him...a deeply passionate and intimate one. One that causes our soul to prosper!
So, what causes most to go deeper with Jesus? Unfortunately, for many of us, it's desperation. When my son was away from God we prayed, "Whatever it takes Lord, draw Him to you!" Of course, as a parent my hope was that it would take experiencing the love and mercy of God. In my son's case it took losing everything he had and finding himself on the brink of suicide. Was it worth it? Of course! I'd rather he lost everything, but gained a relationship with Jesus and eternal life.
EVERY negative situation in my life taught me something and instilled growth and faith in my heart. I haven't always responded in a way that brought about instant results. At times I spent months even years complaining before I realized that my answers were found in the Secret Place. That intimate place where I surrender all and choose to worship, regardless of the current situation and to trust amid total chaos and pain. That's where I've learned about the miracle of peace that passes all understanding, joy unspeakable and full of glory, faith, and love that is undeniable and unshakable.
Don't despise the seemingly dark seasons of your life. Worship your way deeper into His presence and experience the joy and peace that can be found through desperately pursuing Jesus. He's got a plan for your life, and it includes every blessing and trial you've ever experienced, nothing wasted, every scrap collected and molded into a thing of beauty. Trust Him and watch what He will do!
James 1:2-4 (TPT) My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT) I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. (Amen!)
Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.
