How much longer must I cling to this constant grief?
I’ve endured this shaking of my soul.
So how much longer will my enemy have the upper hand?
It’s been long enough!
Take a good look at me, God, and answer me!
Breathe your life into my spirit.
Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness…
Psalm 13: 3-4 TPT
I am not a patient person by nature.
I am a do-er. I am a goal-oriented organizer. I seek, and find, great satisfaction in crossing things off my “To Do” List.
That being said, “I am learning how to wait.”
Especially when my waiting is about waiting for God’s “better.”
For instance…
- I have learned that God has His predestined “Moments” to act.
- I have learned (by bitter experience) the high cost of running ahead of God’s plan.
- I have discovered that my carping and complaining only makes my “load” of waiting heavier!
- I have also discovered the surprising joy and delight of seeing God’s hand move at His “appointed” times.
- There is a beauty and serene peace that always comes with His perfect timing!
Waiting isn’t easy—for any of us!
Especially for the one who is suffering or the one who has been waiting a very long time.
But, this I have also discovered:
In our waiting wonderful things grow inside our souls!
Things like:
- Endurance
- Perseverance
- Character
- And, hope.
Yes, you heard right. Hope.
I have discovered, that as I grow in all these attributes, my patience becomes “perfected” and my new hope drives out the darkness, as my depression turns into songs in the night.
Songs that comfort me greatly as I wait for my deliverance.
The book of Romans reminds us why longer is better.
…What incredible joy bursts forth within us as we keep on celebrating our hope of experiencing God’s glory! But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us! Romans 5: 2-5 TPT
This hope is not a disappointing fantasy.
Don’t you love those reassuring words?
And these as well,
And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope.
God doesn’t ignore our suffering. But He waits until He sees His own image in our character. He knows how to use it all for His purposes, for me, and for others.
I find great peace in that.
I pray for God to give me strength as I grow, so that even in my waiting—I can celebrate what is coming—I can pray and sing!
Prayer Turns Depression into Delight
For the Pure and Shining One, by King David
I’m hurting, Lord—will you forget me forever?
How much longer, Lord?
Will you look the other way when I’m in need?
How much longer must I cling to this constant grief?
I’ve endured this shaking of my soul.
So how much longer will my enemy have the upper hand?
It’s been long enough!
Take a good look at me, God, and answer me!
Breathe your life into my spirit.
Bring light to my eyes in this pitch-black darkness
or I will sleep the sleep of death.
Don’t let my enemy proclaim, “I’ve prevailed over him.”
For all my adversaries will celebrate when I fall.
Lord, I have always trusted in your kindness, so answer me.
I will yet celebrate with passion and joy
when your salvation lifts me up.
I will sing my song of joy to you, the Most High,
for in all of this you have strengthened my soul.
My enemies say that I have no Savior,
but I know that I have one in you!
Psalm 13 The Passion Translation
Women With Destiny 