How Long, O Lord?

Today's post comes after a long drought of posts from me, and for that I apologize. While much of this reason is a crazy schedule and lots of deadlines here at the end of this semester, there lies another reason behind my absence. The truth is, the last week or so has been really trying on my soul and the result has been a period of relative darkness.

Before anyone begins to pity me or thinks of this as whining, know that these periods of darkness are natural in sanctification - something I am learning in a more rigorous manner than I would like, at times. We all face moments when it seems that the darkness will not lift, but this is not our end result. God's grip on us is infinitely greater than ours on him, and he will not suffer to allow one of his elect to be lost from him. He is making us holy, and sometimes it's painful - especially when we are in disobedience.

In these periods of struggle, suffering, or anguish, we must learn to utilize the tools God gives us to fight for joy. These include (but are not limited to):

• Preaching the gospel to yourself (see earlier 2 part post)
• Memorizing Scripture
• Being willing to wrestle with God in times of arduous prayer and crying out

A useful resource for me in understanding how to fight for joy has been When I Don't Desire God, by John Piper. There is also a condensed book, containing only the final chapter - When the Darkness Will Not Lift. I encourage all of you to check them out, even if you are not struggling at the moment, because eventually you will, and you want to have some good, solid ways to find joy in those low valleys.

As for me, Psalm 13 has been instrumental in my time with God through my anguish:

1 How long, O LORD ? Will you forget me forever?

How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts

and every day have sorrow in my heart?

How long will my enemy triumph over me?

3 Look on me and answer, O LORD my God.

Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death;

4 my enemy will say, "I have overcome him,"

and my foes will rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your unfailing love;

my heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the LORD,

for he has been good to me.