How Long?

I went on a biblical spelunking expotition (think Winnie the Pooh and Christopher Robin) this morning.

I was looking for David’s plea of “how long”. I knew he’d raised it, because I know David throughout the Psalms is oh so much like me.

In my quest for the verse pictured, I scampered among these other gems:

  • “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” Psalm 2:1
  • “You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” Psalm 4:1b
  • “Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning.” Psalm 5:1
  • “My soul also is greatly troubled. But You, O LORD—how long? Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of Your steadfast love . . .” Psalm 6:3  
  • “Why, O LORD, do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?” Psalm 10:1 
More confirmation of what the Spirit has been impressing on my heart all week. I am not alone in my  anxiety, in my pleas for answers, in my groanings, in my questions, in my confusion, or my wondering where God is in all of this.

It is not new for His people to plead, to feel troubled, to beg for a timeline. I’m right there with y’all in thinking I can handle this for  . . .  a time. 

I can make the best of it, look for the silver linings, watch copious amounts of Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney +, and Hulu. 

I can clean things I’ve put off for years, because prior to this I always moved again before it was necessary. 

I can write notes, make phone calls instead of sending a text to be more personally engaged, and make laps at a distance in my neighborhood. 

I can jaunt safely to get the essentials, work when necessary, and offer myself time to rest, nap, or paint colorful things.

BUT . . . 

HOW LONG . . .

How long will I be required to adjust, accommodate, alter, and anticipate an end to what is becoming the new normal?

I have no answer for my own plea, except to wrap right back around to the beginning of my expotition and say in unison with David:
“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.” 
Cling to truth, dear ones!

Leaving a trail of beauty ~
Pam


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