Seeking, longing, searching… this poor Psalmist is waiting on the Lord to deliver him from this affliction.
He is trying to remain strong, but he is growing weary, feeling as though he could faint. His eyes are tired from looking for glimpses of God.
Have you ever been there? I know I have.
The Psalmist knows that God loves him, but the questions are building in his mind: “How much longer, Lord?” “When will you comfort me?” (Psalm 119:82).
He is needing a break.
If his life was a football game, he’d be calling a time out.
Let’s just say that the path he is walking is no “walk in the park.” It may be the “straight and narrow,” but God never called it “easy.”
I love the honestly of this Psalmist. He’s just real with God. He’s over this affliction he has been going through, and he’s ready for God to move in and pronounce judgment over the men who have been causing him so much pain.
“Enough is enough,” you can almost hear him say.
“When will you punish my persecutors?” The question that has been taunting him in his mind finally breaks free (Psalm 119:84).
“How much more?”
God is building this man’s patience and faith.
As before, the Psalmist turns to God’s commands and declares them trustworthy… even in the midst of the unknown.
“Help me…” (vs. 86).
It’s not a fancy prayer, but it’s genuine and comes straight from the Psalmist’s heart. God will take simple and heartfelt prayers over fancy and routine any day.
And so we find our Psalmist friend waiting on the Lord to intervene. To be his Deliverer, his Redeemer, his Savior.
But in the waiting, he doesn’t lose hope. And neither should we.
I’m not sure why God is waiting so long to deliver this poor man from this difficult situation, but I do know this: God is good and what He does is good. And so we continue to seek the Lord, placing our trust and hope in Him.
One of the many beautiful aspects of being a Christian is that no matter how dark our life is right now, we always have heaven to look forward to.
Our best is yet to come.
And so like the Psalmist, we find ourselves in the waiting.
Waiting for God to move.
Waiting for “doors” to open.
Waiting for a break in our “storms.”
And in the waiting God is there.
Though we may feel like we are being torn down, He is building strength into us. As we dig into His Word and ponder Scripture – holding His promises closer to our hearts than ever before – we cling to His truth. What Satan may have tried to hurt us with, God uses to bring us closer to Him, strengthening us in our faith and increasing our capacity for greater patience.
Like the Psalmist, maybe you too feel weak, like you are ready to “tap out” of the battle. It’s just getting too hard.
Know this… you are not alone.
“Rest on His promises and rely on His love. When the Father allows His children to go into the furnace of affliction, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat. He knows how long and how much. To walk by faith will bring unrest and weakness, but to meditate on the Word will bring peace and power.” –Warren W. Wiersbe
No matter what you are facing today, remember that God is strengthening you and purifying you for a greater purpose.
Keep your eyes focused on Him. He will not forsake you.
Let’s Talk: How is God using your time of “waiting” to strengthen you in your faith?
Love God Greatly!
I must share our victory story. For over two years we prayed and had team of prayer warriors praying with us for a new job for my husband. He was miserable where he was working and we wanted out! We waited and prayed and just when we would get our hopes up that a ‘perfect’ door would open it would slam in our faces. We became do discouraged and even angry at times. But we kept praying and seeking and holding on if only by a thread that God knew what he was doing. We wanted his will and we weren’t going to force doors open. Well my husband is now four months into the mist amazing job! He works for an incredible company that’s well established and stable. He is paid more than he asked for and has room for advancement. We have benefits! He’s appreciated and respected and the company takes excellent care of their employees! It’s beyond what we could have asked for or dreamed! So why the wait? Because God didn’t have the right door open yet! Worth the wait? Absolutely yes! So while in the wIting remember that God does know what he’s doing and that his timing is always perfect!
Thank you for the praise report! While in the waiting it is hard sometimes to see the God Vision of things to come, the deliverance…the salvation. Yet I know that what God has in store at the end SUPERCEEDS anything we can imagine with our human brains. We are going through our “season of testing” if you will and knowing that the joy comes in the Morning because His mercies are renewed daily, keeps me anchored and looking to God no matter what things look like. Don’t get me wrong we’ve had our frustrations, questioning, moments of dispair, bargaining, pleading, etc. No matter what we have gone through already I have this calm peace that flows like an unending spring within me because I know, in the end, God will be the victor and His way and gifting is better than my sweetest dream. “All praises be to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, He is Wonderful!” – great piece from a praise song we used to sing in church. (Sorry don’t know who to give credit and cite for that stansa.)
Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband and I are currently in that situation. Except both of our jobs are not ideal. A lot of family time is lost because his job keeps him on the road most of the time and our 5 month old is missing out on time with his daddy. But we wait and we pray. And believe me I get discouraged! But your praise gave me encouragement and was just what I needed today!! Thank you!!
I am so glad that my words were encouraging. I was hoping that they would be to someone. I am sorry to hear that your family is struggling, esp with a little one. I am lifting you up in prayer. Hold tight to Jesus knowing he does have your best interest at heart. He knows just what your family needs and he will provide that. Our God is faithful!
That’s so awesome, Lauren! Thanks for sharing about your husband’s job. I rejoice with you!
Thank you for sharing your testimony. It serves as further affirmation and encouragement to me as I find myself in similar circumstances.
Be strong in the Lord. Keep seeking him and trust that he knows exactly what you need. His timing is perfect and what he is working out for a job for you will be just what you need!
Thank you for your post! Right now my hubby is in an incredibly similar position. We’ve been praying diligently for an answer. he has an offer to go somewhere, but something is holding him back. Not sure if it’s the Spirit protecting him, or the enemy causing fear. We know God has a purpose and a plan, and his timing is perfect and this may not be the place for him, we just want peace one way or the other. Pray we have the wisdom to know which, and patience if God wants him to stay, boldness if God wants him to leave.
Prayers forGods leading. Just keep seeking, you’ll know when it’s right bc there will be nothing but peace.
Hi, I really love your blogs and the comfort and wisdom you bring to me each time I open your words. However, I have a small problem the takes away from what you have to say. The contents of the blog disappear under the LGG banner as I scroll down and I can’t see the full pictures or the full context. Any way we can have that fixed?
Oh Lauren, thank you for sharing this with us! That’s just so amazing! Wow, totally worth the wait for sure!!!
Praising Him with you!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
This was a amazing post for me today. It has spoken to me like nothing has spoken to me in a long time. I’m right where the Psalmist is today and I needed to hear all of this.
We have been waiting 2 years now for a baby through adoption. We have a 2 1/2 yr old daughter and I am trying to really focus my time on her and spend quality time because I know when I have a baby it will be harder. Even though I ask God “why do we have to wait so long? we are ready!” I have to remind myself HE knows the perfect time for our family to grow.
As you said, His timing is always perfect! Enjoy this sweet time with the baby in your arms – when more come, it gets BUSY! hehehehe Praying alongside you friend, and for patience as you wait on Him to open the doors.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Bethany, thank you for sharing about waiting to adopt a baby. I too waited and waited… As I look back now, I realize our adoptions were all in Gods timing and not mine and trust me…his timing was PERFECT! Each adoption, my husband was able to get off work and be with me the first week. We now have 3 beautiful children of which 2 are twins!
YES! Isn’t it amazing how when we look back we can totally SEE how perfect His timing was?! It’s a definite encouragement and comfort for the future too – we know and trust that His timing is perfect.
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
This speaks to me so much as my husband and I are in battle for our marriage and we are losing. We are tired, weak and weary. I don’t think we can hang on any longer. My heartaches. I am sad, angry and confused why God is making us wait so long for him. Why two people who just want to be a family and be good people/parents and help others are suffering so greatly that Satan is tearing our family apart and winning our souls. Why?
Dawn,
Praying for you and your man today. Marriage is a battleground that the enemy of our souls fights hard for — I try to remind myself daily that my enemy is never my man. I hope you and your hubby can cannot with a good mentoring couple or Christian counselor who can support and encourage you through this season. We have “been there,” and found that the time invested in counseling was worth every second of our time.
Blessings,
Lyli, LGG Encourager
Dawn ~
Praying for you and your husband as I read your comment. We too have “been there” to the point we couldn’t even stand to be in the same room together. Today we are happier than ever. We started praying together and literally crying out for an intervention from God. We also attended a weekend to remember marriage retreat that set us back on the right path. Fight hard for your marriage, God is on your side.
You are not alone Dawn. My husband and I are going through the same thing. It’s rocked my soul down to the core. We had our first counseling session last night and it was painful, but we made a second appointment. In the midst of all of this heartache, I’ve read so much about it and one thing I read, was that if couples stick with it, through the toughest of times, they tend to be even happier than they ever were before once they get through the storm. “This too shall pass…”. Hugs to you and praying for you and your husband! Hang in there!
We serve a God of restoration. Don’t give up. I recommend the weekend to remember conference as well. Prayers for you!
I believe God is using this waiting time for me to rely more on him than on myself. I feel like being a young single, Christian adult in today’s world is so difficult. Waiting for a spouse, new career, becoming financially stable, etc etc. It’s hard not wanting to give up and settle but I have to keep pursing God, trust in his Word and BE PATIENT. He does have my best interest at heart and hasn’t forgotten about me. Building, shaping and molding my heart definitely a work on progress.
Jackie,
I love your attitude! I was single until age 41, and can I tell you how those years of waiting prepared me and strengthened me for marriage? He doesn’t waste a single second.
Blessings,
Lyli, LGG Encourager
Since we started this study, my prayers have been great ones. Now I see myself going through the same thing the Psalms is going through. I am afflicted with health issues and its been difficult. My husband also is afflicted with constant pain. This is even more difficult when you have three children. Mine is more recent than his but we have both been prayed over. I have sought comfort and peace from God….its been difficult. But I trust Him. I trust that God knows what is best for me. He is making those prayers real for me. That I would treasure His Word, God, more than silver or gold.
Miranda,
How wonderful that God is strengthening you through His Word as you wait for your healing. I spent most of 2012 on a sickbed, and looking back now, I see how His Word was my refuge even on the darkest of days. Psalms 121 was a very special passage to me — My help comes from the Lord, and He never slumbers nor sleeps. He sees you! Praying for you and your man today.
Blessings,
Lyli, LGG Encourager
Right now we are in the waiting period. It is so hard. My husband is going through a tough time with his health, he has Parkinson’s and we need a more suitable home, easier for him to get around. Also he has low sodium levels in his blood. That is a dangerous situation, I didn’t realize how it can effect a person’s health until he ended up in the hospital for a week. Well, that’s enough for now. Keep us in your prayers. Thank you all.
Polly, I know how difficult it can be needing to be able to find a place to live that will accommodate health situations. I also know a bit about Parkinson’s. I am sure his doctor informed you that some medications for Parkinson’s can cause low sodium, but I felt compelled to share with you from my experience. Adrenal insufficiency, thyroid problems, Celiac Disease. These can all cause problems of Parkinson’s and low sodium. I am not a doctor. I just felt I needed to share the information with you as a person who has experienced similar health problems. The information might help, but I know that each experience we have will differ greatly from the experience of another. As we turn to God for help, I pray you and your husband will find what you need to get through this.
Oh Polly, I’m praying for your husband, you, and your family as you wait on Him to direct your path. Hugs to you sweet friend!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My husband is 37 and loved his job and was so good at it–he worked hard for us. But then he had an elective outpatient surgery that wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. But he got nerve damage and has lived in extreme pain ever since. It has been going on for six years and the doctors do not know what to do to help him. He has seen a lot of different doctors and types of doctors all over the country and has had many tests and has had surgeries to try and correct it. I’ve never in my life seen anyone go through that much pain and torture for so long. It is hard for my children to watch. And we just want out. Honestly, like the psalmist, we’re just done. My oldest is 11 and my youngest is 7. This is our life. We don’t go on fun vacations. My husband doesn’t play with them or go see them in their sports. I am more like a caretaker and I watch my house going to pot because I can’t keep up with it. I wonder if I should work to help supplement because we just live off of savings and what little he gets paid. Things like that. There just seems to be no end and no hope. I know that isn’t true. God is good. And I see Him at work. I trust Him. Even this, He will bring good out of.
Oh sweet Amers, I can “feel” your daily struggle just by reading your words. And then I read “God is good. And I see Him at work. I trust Him. Even this, He will bring good out of.”
Sweet friend, what faith and strength you have. I have you and your family in my prayers. As you know, He has a plan for us all – even in the midst of trials, especially in the midst of trials. Praying alongside you, and praising Him with you!
Blessings sweet friend!
Marlene (LGG Encoruager)
My heart broke reading your post. I am so sorry for what you’re struggling with. Prayers for strength and healing. Try to look for those creative ways for family time. It’s easy to think that it has to be all big and extravagant to be fun but really all our kids want is our time and attention. Look for those simple ways to have fun be it playing games or watching silly you tube videos. Enlist your kids to help you around the house, know that can be easier said than done! But your only one person so you can only do so much and you can’t put all the pressure on yourself. I have friends that are quite successful working selling items with the in home parties like jewelry or make up etc. maybe that’s an outlet for you that would also bring in income. If you’re into that type of stuff. Just keep seeking Jesus. He will see you through and hopefully it will be soon.
My daughter and I recently have had an answer to 45 years of praying on behalf of her dad. She has prayed since a very early age for assurance of his salvation. And week before last….God answered! We will spend eternity together! NEVER give up praying and trusting. A thought that has given me hope when life’s trials seem more than I could bear is this: The greater the challenge….the greater the victory! Our God is Faithful and He is Able in ALL circumstances. Blessings on each of you sweet sisters who are going through tough times now.
Joan, What a wonderful testimony! Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings, Amy A, LGG Encourager
I’ve been waiting on God for 6 years while suffering chronic pain that hasn’t gotten better but, in fact has worsened. I trust God has a plan. I wait for prayers to be answered. I am grateful that he carries me every day because I could not go on alone. He is my strength but, I am so very weary. God knows what he is doing and he knows what I need to learn out of this trial. I may never be healed physically but, I feel the healing spiritually. His grace is sufficient.
This. Is . beautiful! There are so many truths packed in here that my heart is overwhelmed with Joy! I am so thankful I have a Father who loves me so much! I just need to remember to listen, lean in and meditate on His word. It’s so simple, but yet sometimes so hard. Thank you for this study! My goal was to complete the study as I often drop off, and although I am playing catch up today, I am loving studying Psalm 119. I am growing in my wisdom & faith with each day and I thank you!!
So very proud of you, Melanie and your perseverance to stay in God’s Word….great job, friend!
The Psalmist seems frantic for delivery out of his immediate suffering. I don’t believe the Father of Lights (James 1:17) who only gives good things to His children (Matt 7:11 & Luke 11:13) intends to leave us in suffering (either from our own making [Ps. 119:67] or when put upon by others [Ps. 119:86]). I think it takes time for Him to fix what has been messed up. It’s not that He can’t speak it into being (Gen. 1:3 & Rom. 4:17), but He gives us free will (Deut. 30:19-20 & Prov. 16:9). He will not impose Himself upon mankind and it takes time to move in the lives of everyone involved in our suffering – to mend (Ps. 147:3) and restore – what was lost (Joel 2:25 NLT & Deut. 30:3 MSG). God is good all the time and He is faithful. He is with us in our praise and things happen when we praise. Look up sisters – and praise.
Ohh beautiful, Annathy- thank you so much for sharing your insight with us! 🙂