WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
- Key Verse
- "O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my life from their ravages, my precious life from these lions." (Psalm 35:17)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Why does it appear that God is just looking on during our darkest time, with our deepest need, when we are desperate to hear from Him? What can David show us about consistently worshiping God even in painful situations?
Reflections
Verse 17, "O Lord, how long will you look on?" echoes in our private thoughts when it seems that God is standing by idle during our pain. Pain creeps into all kinds of experiences, like being laid off, having a sick child, or experiencing a broken relationship. Pain is painful. A catalyst for painful thoughts is many times rooted in childhood memories. At a school bus stop in the 7th grade, I was jumped by two 8th graders. We wrestled to the ground and while I was trying to find a way to defend myself, I saw my grandfather driving by. The painful thing was that I saw him and he saw me - our eyes met - but he kept on driving. I remember feeling very "on my own" and abandoned. That feeling of aloneness captures a lot of us when it comes to a painful experience where we need help and answers. We know God sees us and we know He is supposed to care.David's accusation was that people repaid his friendship with malicious slander. His pain and complaint expressed a desire for relief not yet granted to him. His pain also models for us that you can wrestle with God over these things because you have a relationship with Him. Even in pain David knew that God is the mighty defender of the defenseless. David shows us something in this psalm and many others that helps us to know why God calls him a man after His own heart (Acts 13:21-23). It is because David is fairly consistent in Scripture to run to God with His worship and praise, in or out of painful situations.
I love saying that God is God and that He is not equal to a bad childhood memory or strained relationship. The Lord does not "look on" at us as if to snicker at our imperfections. He does not make eye contact with us and keep on driving. He looks on and waits for the absolute perfect time to GLORIFY HIMSELF through us and our situation. Praise Him for that today.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you thought recently (privately or outwardly) that God is just looking on and not acting on your behalf? How would worship and praise change your perspective of what God is doing?
2. Think of three things to praise Him for. Now, at this moment, praise Him for those things and tell Him why you are praising Him.
3. Look at 2 Corinthians 1:3. What does it say about comfort and the reason for being comforted?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Laurie Carlsoon
February 18, 2010 07:49 AM
Thanks John for sharing your story. I can't imagine a parent/grandparent that would look away during a time when they were truly needed. But I do often look away spiritually or emotionally when others have needed a little encouragement or support. I frequently have failed. But as you so aptly remind us, God does not fail nor ever has failed us. His promises are true and we get to experience His glory now and forever!
randy
February 18, 2010 08:30 AM
John, thank you for reminding us to PRAISE Him no matter what life throws our way! There is none like Him! He is worthy of our praise! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHKVzWOybgw&feature=PlayList&p=40C783B33F7033F8&index=0&playnext=1
Mark Sutton
February 18, 2010 09:06 AM
Praise God. He doesn't react according to my timetable or limited expectations. He richly blesses me in ways I may not understand in my time of pain. Sometimes his answer is wait. His thoughts and ways are higher than mine.
Scott Worthington
February 18, 2010 09:23 AM
I praise Him for my wife. I praise Him for my family's health. I praise Him for His perfection in everything He creates. And, that's just a start. He is infinitely praiseworthy. amen
Linda Jean Butler
February 18, 2010 11:27 AM
Perhaps your grandfather wanted you to "save face" and not have an adult interfere...that's all I can come up with to explain. I am SO thankful that our heavenly Father never looks away and He is always in control. I am comforted to know that He cares about me every minute. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Bob A. King
February 18, 2010 12:38 PM
Thanks for the compelling illustration and story about your grandfather. You are stronger because of your past and your insight in today's devo is powerful. Thanks, John.