“How long, O Lord?” Psalm 13 begins with this question and I have to confess that I have been wondering about that myself. How long, O Lord, will there be stories like Tyre Nichols’ killing? How long will we hear of mass shootings as in California? How long will the Ukrainian people live in fear of Russian artillery? How long will cancer afflict those we love? How long will prices keep going up? How long will this winter last?
It’s not that good people aren’t trying to do something about these things (except perhaps for winter). It’s just that, for all our good work, we don’t seem to be making much headway. We are exhausted by these continual struggles. We long for God to step in and make it all better…right now!
We are not alone in feeling this way. The writer of Psalm 13 did, too. As did the early Christians. Probably everyone has felt this way at some time. Does what we do make a difference? Will there ever come a time when these problems will be solved? Paul writes to the Galatian church with words of encouragement: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:9-10 NIV
“Don’t give up!” is the message. There will come a time when we will see the fruits of our labor. God has not abandoned us. So keep your spirits up and seize every opportunity to do good that comes your way this week.
Peace,
Pastor Mark
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord
is not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:58