I was reading in the 11^th chapter of Psalms this morning, and ran across a question, asked by David. Scholars estimate these words were penned a millennium before Christ was born, but still ring true today:

“If the foundations are crumbling, is there hope for the righteous?”

Saul was still King of Israel, and while David had proven his loyalty time and again (such as when he slayed the giant, Goliath), Saul was trying to kill him. Saul hunted David relentlessly for eight years, and each time he was close to capturing the young man, God delivered him. Over and over and over He delivered David! In First Samuel 23, Saul mockingly said, “Let’s see God deliver him now!” But guess what?

God DID deliver him.

Many times life seemed hopeless for David, even prompting him to cry out, “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why do You refuse to help me or even to listen to my groans? Day and night I keep on weeping, crying for Your help, but there is no reply” (Psalm 22:1-2). I’m sure those words are familiar, as Jesus Himself cried out from the cross, My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?, just before He died.

If the very Son of God can feel forsaken, it’s only natural we feel the same during hours of desperation. We feel abused, abandoned, alone, desperate and hopeless, but we have NOT been forsaken! Continuing in the 11^th chapter of Psalms, David, who would soon be crowned KING, goes on to remind us (and himself) God is still in control:

“The Lord is sitting in His sacred temple on His throne in heaven.”

If I can stop for just a minute: it’s interesting David cries out in anguish, and then reminds himself a minute later God is still on His throne.

In other words, David looks at his despairing reflection in the mirror and says, “Be cool, man, God’s got this. He’s still on His throne. He’s still in control.”

Trudging on: “He knows everything we do because He sees us all. The Lord tests honest people (note from author: ain’t it the truth?), but despises those who are cruel and love violence. He will send fiery coals and flaming sulfur down on the wicked, and they will drink nothing but a scorching wind. The Lord always does right and wants justice done.”

Thank God for this promise! The Lord may be testing us so we can grow stronger, to survive future trials, and/or to help others through similar hard days. Yes, you may be suffering a time of testing, but the Lord ALWAYS does right, and wants justice done.

David then pens the words which bring freedom and hope to our spirit:

“Everyone who does right will see His face.” (above verses: Psalm 11:3-7 CEV, emphasis mine)

EVERYONE.

So keep growing, keep learning and keep going. At the same time, it’s ok to cry, it’s ok to feel weak and it’s ok to feel helpless sometimes. We NEED God. This isn’t just another flippant choice we can make; we NEED Him. We’re not choosing pizza toppings here, we’re crying out to our Creator, “I need You! I love You! SAVE ME!!”

And He will. Every time, even if the rescue feels delayed to our impatient heart.

Everyone who seeks God will find Him (Matthew 7:7), so don’t quit now! Someday we will meet Him face-to-face, and all the fear, anxiety, depression, stress and pain will melt away like ice in fire.

I know, my answers sound simplistic. While my work at a Christian university puts me in contact with many Bible scholars and theologians, I myself am NOT one. I have no high and lofty words, only these:

“God is still on His throne, so don’t give up. Don’t quit, and someday, we will see His face. One day all the trials will fade away, and we shall FINALLY be at peace.”

He loves you. Never doubt that, and we WILL endure.

Blessings.