How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (v.1)
TRUST IN UNFAILING LOVE
I broke my leg last April. Now we are in a new year, and I am still recovering. You can imagine how often I have asked: "How long,
O Lord?" over the passing months.
During parts of that recovery I recall asking, like the psalmist, "How long, Lord, until you can come by and help me with some healing on this leg?" It was especially difficult in October when the orthopedic surgeon determined a second operation should be done.
Our challenges and problems close in around us like the darkest night. You wonder if your prayers, like some errant e-mail, are getting zapped by the devil's delete key. Doesn't the Lord see the problems that are piling up?
Yes, he sees what is ahead for the person who is praying and for everyone else. He even knows how everything is going to get resolved. He sees our little picture (I'm not the first person with a slow-healing broken leg, after all) and he sees the broader view. And he has a plan.
One part of his plan is to encourage me to contribute to my own recovery. I need to handle the physical therapy and do the exercises. I begin to see the miracles around me. He has provided the skilled hands of the nurses, surgeons and therapists. He has supported my wife, who has dedicated nearly a year as a special caregiver.
As the psalmist concludes his song, he offers wonderful advice and writes: "I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me."
Over the course of just a few lines, Psalm 13 has moved from a challenge ("How long, O Lord?") to the love ("I will sing to the Lord") of our relationship with God.
Creator God, you have made me in your image. Love me as I am, O Lord, but heal my bones and restore my spirit. I sing to you, O Lord.
Tom Cronk
