Suffering and challenges are never easy, and even more so when God seems to be silent, far away, or slow in responding to our pain.

The psalmist, David, prayed this psalm in deep anguish, as he sensed the rebuke and discipline of the Lord. He was not praying for the removal of discipline, but was asking for God to not rebuke and discipline him in His anger and wrath. David was praying for mercy and grace, as God seems to be silent during this time of suffering. David was also praying for deliverance by appealing to God’s covenantal and steadfast love. And so doing, David appeals to the praise that God is due, which will not be present if David was given over to death.

And yet David did not just lament, he was confident that God had heard his prayer. Three times he references the Lord, three times he affirms that the Lord has answered his prayer. How wonderful to know that God is not forever silent, and that He hears our prayers and cries.

And what about us? Where do we turn to in the midst of suffering and challenges? Do we seek a way out through our own ways? Do we complain about the unfairness of our suffering? Or do we turn to God and pray in faith? May the prayer of David encourage us in times of suffering and challenges, in times when God seems to be silent and far away. May we be encouraged and reminded that God listens to the prayers of His children. May we have the confidence in our faithful God, and to know that He will renew and restore us.

As bible scholar, Kidner, says, “All God’s delays are maturings, either of the time… or of the man”. In times of sufferings and challenges, may we lean on God, trust in Him, and allow Him to mould and mature us. Trust Him!

Prayer:

Dear gracious and merciful God, thank you for listening to our prayers, and for lifting us out of our sufferings. Even while the waiting upon you seems like delays or silence to us, help us to trust in Your faithfulness, and Your ever perfect time. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.