One day, a taxi dropped world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma off at New York City’s Peninsula Hotel. But as the cab drove off, Yo-Yo realized he had left his cello in its backseat. It was worth 2.5 million dollars! The hotel staff jumped to action. As one reporter put it, they “put on their own virtuoso performance, contacting officials all over town in order to track down the missing instrument.” After the cello was returned unharmed, I suspect that Yo-Yo resolved never to forget it again.
The psalmist echoed a lamenting prayer, wondering if God had forgotten him. “How long . . .?” he asked (Psalm 13:1). In his words, we hear the ache of a long season of disappointment, accompanied by doubts that perhaps—this time—God will not act. His life is in turmoil, and God, it seems to him, is merely looking “the other way” (Psalm 13:1). He thinks, Perhaps this time God has finally and completely forgotten me.
A plain, poignant question resonates with many of us: “How long must I struggle?” (Psalm 13:2). How long will our finances be a constant battle? How long will our kids make poor choices? How long will our family be on the brink of ripping apart? How long will I be alone? How long will I struggle with this addiction? How long will I be afraid or sick or despairing? How long?
Are we completely and forever forgotten? It’s a terrifying question, and we’re right to wrestle with it. But then the psalmist’s gaze returned to God, a posture of hope and dependence (Psalm 13:3). And as he remembered Him (and God’s character and God’s past action), his heart was renewed. “I trust in Your unfailing love,” he said (Psalm 13:5).
God has not forgotten us. His love will not allow that.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Acts 2:1-13
More:
Look over Habakkuk 1. What is the source of the prophet’s “How long . . . ?” complaint? What is the Lord’s reply? Why do you feel the prophet took his concern to God?
Next:
Where in your life do you fear that God has forgotten you? How does God’s character and love speak to this fear?
tom felten on October 7, 2011 at 9:55 am
Without our needy state which keeps us asking, “How long?,” we wouldn’t have the constant reminder of HOW badly we need God!
alli on October 7, 2011 at 9:58 am
ive felt like this, ive felt like this, its like God has the looking at your situation attitude but he convienently looks at someone else or tends to another problem. i mean you feel ok i guess you dont really care and i should do something or that GOd is not the least bit concerned about your problem because He has other matters of importance. I usually end up not caring or discouraged when this happens. i suppose if lazarus hadnot been dead he would have felt this way
winn collier on October 7, 2011 at 2:51 pm
ah, yes, I know these feelings well. But you are not alone. God sees you and loves you, even in our discouragement.
sowharvest on October 7, 2011 at 1:15 pm
What a timely message as we all our country is in a struggle. But the words of the Lord speak to our spirit and our troubles. Whenever I have read PS 13 it always feels like I am in the midst of a long journey or better yet a downward spiral. Yet I am also reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King’s speech “GOD is marching on!” which contains the same inquiry ” How long?” Truly Not long. To GOD be the glory. Jesus is real and HE is coming back. Keep the faith.
winn collier on October 7, 2011 at 2:52 pm
it reminds me of King’s words that God’s long arc bends toward justice. It’s long, and lots of space between – but it’s bending there.
dr.lightsey on October 7, 2011 at 3:53 pm
To help me through my “how long?” periods (and I do have them) I’m reminded to give thanks while I anticpate God’s response and action.
“In every thing (situation/circumstance) give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you (1Thess. 5:18).