How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I plan what to do in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will those who hate me rise above me?
Look on me and answer, O Lord, my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death. Or the one who hates me will say, “I have power over him.” And those who hate me will be happy when I am shaken.
But I have trusted in Your loving-kindness. My heart will be full of joy because You will save me. I will sing to the Lord, because He has been good to me. Psalm 13: 1-6 New Life Version (NLV)
David is lamenting: things are bad, God is distant. I’d think he’d get tired of complaining, but then I remember that I whine plenty, too. (Sigh)
Life is full of troubles. Everyone has them, some more, some less, but nobody is exempt and no one enjoys it. We’re not supposed to. But we can adjust, keep going, and appreciate good days and things as the gifts they are.
But look! David ends by focusing forward! He trusted, trusts and will trust: there is and will be joy and praise. Rescue is on the way.
Andrew Murray says:
“First, He brought me here, it is by His will I am in this strait place: in that fact I will rest. Next, He will keep me here in His love, and give me grace to behave as His child. Then, He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the lessons He intends me to learn, and working in me the grace He means to bestow. Last, In His good time He can bring me out again—how and when He knows. Let me say I am here, (1) By God’s appointment, (2) In His keeping, (3) Under His training, (4) For His time.”
So, I’ll focus forward, too, toward a big “I Knew He’d Rescue Me!” party when this trouble ends. (Watch for your invitation. We’ll celebrate together!)
So bend to your trouble and meet your care,
For the clouds must break, and the sky grow fair.
Let the rain come down, as it must and will,
But keep on working and hoping still.
Edgar A. Guest, Things Work Out