How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? -Psalms 13:1 (NASB)
I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me and heard my cry. -Psalms 40:1 (NASB)
These are dark times. Lawlessness seems to be the order of the day, whether in the news with terrorists worldwide, or in the chaos of our own lives. I had a colleague tell me about his personal torment, and he lamented, “God, where are you? You can show up any time now!”
I promised him that God is right there with him, and will use even these times to His glory, as He has shown throughout Scripture. But sometimes, the assurances of God’s unfailing love can fall on deaf, hurting ears.
On social media, especially at the time of this writing, I see the recurring question: what is happening in the world? People are being killed, people are violently protesting the killings, and friends and family are drawing their battle lines on these and other issues.
In some ways, that’s nothing new. But what was especially distressing to me was what one friend wrote on Facebook. She said that God won’t fix anything, and neither will prayer…and that only our actions will make any change. She was particularly annoyed with all the PRAY FOR _____ images and petitions making the rounds on social media.
For these two people, my colleague and my friend, they are hurting people whose pain and frustration is ringing louder in their ear than God’s promises. And if we let them, the enemy’s lies can deafen us to the truth.
In truth, God commands us to pray. He calls us to act. He calls us to believe He’s working, even when we don’t see what we want to see. Where is God? He’s sitting on His throne. He sees all. He controls and allows all. He’s also right here with us, working out all things for His children, and to His glory.
Are we to pray? Absolutely. Prayer can unlock outcomes God won’t fulfill without our choice to pray…to switch to a path only reachable through prayer.
God is very much there, and prayer is the powerful connection to our Creator, who absolutely does see and reign over all. Because of Him, our hope is right before us, if only we believe.
Today’s soundtrack
Danny Gokey’s “Hope In Front Of Me” reminds us that there is always hope, because He is our hope…and He is always there.
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