“How Long, O’ Lord?”. I’m sure you also have asked that question. This sentiment is expressed many times in Scripture. The great saints of God cried out, “O Lord, how long?”
God’s Timing.
Psalm 94:1-10 (v.3) “Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph?”
When David was being chased by King Saul, many times he said, “How long, O Lord, before I get my throne? You’ve promised it to me.”
The psalmist tells us that God has His plan. He hears our prayers and sees our need. He knows exactly what is going on. The wicked think that they have everything under control. “Yet they say, ‘The Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob understand”‘ (v. 7). “God can’t see what we’re doing; God’s not going to do anything.” That’s the false confidence of the wicked.
But the psalmist answers that with inspired logic. “He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? He who instructs the nations, shall not He correct, He who teaches man knowledge?” (vv. 9,10). In other words, is God dumber than we are? He sees what’s going on in this world. He hears the cries of His own people and disciplines those who need discipline. Our tendency, of course, is to take things into our own hands.
Moses tried that approach, and it sent him to the wilderness for 40 years to learn how to trust God’s timing and method.
When you find yourself crying out, “How long, O Lord, how long,” focus on God and remember that He knows as much about the situation as you do–probably more. Then wait on Him. Watch and pray. You can be sure that He will keep His promises.
Learning to trust God’s methods and timing is a lifelong course. When you need to wait patiently for God to act, first look to Him and lay hold of His promises in Scripture. Then rest in His care. He knows your situation, and He keeps His word. He will act at the right time.
Devotional from P. Warren Wiersbe