How Long Will You Forget Me?

HOW LONG WILL YOU FORGET ME?

a prayer to open

In the midst of my pain, Lord, I cry out to you.

When darkness sets in and I can’t see the light,

lead me in the way of hope, and fill my heart with joy.

O LORD, how long will you forget me? Forever?

How long will you look the other way?

How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul,

with sorrow in my heart every day?

How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

Turn and answer me, O LORD my God!

Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.

Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!”

Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.

But I trust in your unfailing love.

I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

I will sing to the LORD

because he is good to me.

We all long to hear from God; we ask him to guide us, speak words of love and assurance to us, help us in our decisions, lead us in his ways. And there are times when the Scriptures seem to resonate so deeply and specifically or the sermons we hear seem meant by God for us alone. The way the sun alights on the water can be his personalized gift to us at times. But sometimes nothing seems to get in; we sense only his silence or absence. We grow anxious, doubtful, and shaken. The psalmist reminds us of what’s true: God’s love does not fail and he is good.

• Review the opening verses of today’s psalm. In what area of your life are you longing to hear from God but hear only silence? What fears or anxieties does that unmet longing give rise to in you?
• Now review the next verses. What do you need in order to restore your confidence in God’s love for you and constant presence with you? Ask him for what you need.
• Finally, review the closing verses. What are five to ten ways God has been good to you in your life? Allow whatever you identified to remind you of his goodness and faithfulness.

Answer my prayer and plea, O Lord my God.

Help me trust in your unfailing love and

rejoice because you have rescued me.

You have been good to me.