Why, Lᴏʀᴅ, do you stand far off? Why do you pay no attention during times of trouble?
Into the Text
Life is hard. We get distracted, tired, and weary. Sometimes it can feel like God is so far away and silent. Does He even care? Why does He allow suffering? Can’t He do something? We have all struggled with these questions at one time or another, or maybe we are in the middle of struggling with them right now.
It is a great comfort to see the words of Psalm 10:1 included in the Bible. We can find hope in knowing we are not alone. You aren’t the only one asking these questions and wondering about these things.
There are times and situations that leave us astounded as to why God isn’t doing anything to heal, fix, and redeem. How can He stay silent?
At such times, lament can help our hearts rest in faith and stay obedient to God’s Word. God is always moving, always working, and never far away. In Exodus 34:6, God describes Himself as, “The Lᴏʀᴅ, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, and abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.” We need to remember this. We need to remember His character.
Reading God’s Word and taking time each day to study it in depth is not just a lovely habit of a Christian. It is the powerful habit of a woman warrior. Let’s learn to practice lamenting through all the times we feel as if the Lord is silent and far off, trusting all the while what we know to be true: He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loyal love and faithfulness.
Prayer
God, thank you for your loving and steadfast character. I want to trust you each and every day, no matter what is going on in my life or around me. Holy Spirit, help me to remember what is true. Amen.