Rejoicing in the Wait

A Devotional on Psalm 13

We know that God is a generous and loving Father, who is always working all things together for His glory and for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). But sometimes, it is awfully hard to trust Him.

It’s not because we think God is untrustworthy. It’s not because we think He is unkind. If we’re really honest, sometimes the hardest part about trusting God is that we think He is slow.

I’ve prayed this prayer so many times.

Is God even listening?

Does He even care?

It’s not worth it anymore.

Does any of this sound familiar?

What about this:

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?

    How long will you hide your face from me? (Psalm 13:1)

In Psalm 13, David is suffering not only under the weight of his struggle, but also under the weight of this unknown: how long? How long will this go on? How long will God seemingly forget him? 

The reality is that when we are in times of waiting, we are prone to forget who God is, and think He has forgotten us!

If we read on, we see two key steps David takes. The first is that he continued to come to God in the midst of his waiting. David says “Consider and answer me, O LORD my God” (v. 3). Although he thought God turned away, David still sought Him.

The second thing we see is that David reminded himself of what is true and commanded his heart to respond:

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;

    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

I will sing to the Lord,

    because he has dealt bountifully with me. (vv. 5-6)

David calls to mind God’s love and salvation which redirects his heart. Remembering how God dealt bountifully with him in the past informs David’s present– it leads him to sing and rejoice! 

It can be easy to lose sight of God’s promises and faithfulness in the midst of waiting. Therefore we must look to Christ! We must be reminded of the promises that are ours in Jesus because of what He has accomplished for us. Because of God’s steadfast love, we have been purchased and redeemed by Christ. We can rejoice in the salvation of Jesus, even in the wait.

Reflection:

Where are you struggling to see God at work?

What promises of God can you cling to in the midst of your wait?