American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 92
Last Sunday we paused to reflect on finding the solace (comfort and consolation) of God in uncertain and troubling times. We discussed time and chance happens to everyone. We live in a fallen world as sinful creatures that must battle demons to overcome. The Bible also assures us there are times and seasons in life (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). Some of these times and seasons are pleasant, full of rejoicing and some of them difficult, full of sorrow, but God abides faithful.
We learned God is not distant in our pain. “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalms 34:18). Jesus wept (John 11:35). He is our faithful High Priest that is moved and touched by our weaknesses and infirmities. He does not bypass our pain; He is with us in the pain.
Faith does not mean the absence of grief: I’ve have maintained for years our Christian education in this life is not complete until we can truly say from the depths of our souls “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (Job 13:15). In our laments, Biblical faith can still say, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
Our Lord remains steadfast when life becomes chaotic: In those trying times, we are to still trust God and lean not unto our own understanding (Proverbs 3:4, 5). The Lord assures us that all things work together for good to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).
Even when we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart and character. We know the Lord is good. He is faithful. He is just. He is wise. He is loving and His love never fails. The cross itself looked like the greatest defeat and tragedy in world history—but became the doorway to our redemption.
Troubling times like these also remind us that our ultimate hope is not in this world: “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4). Remember Paul was wrestling whether to stay or go home to be with the Lord. “To live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Seasons may come and they may go, but God abided faithful. There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still. The saints of old knew these truths and cried out to the Lord, sometimes in agonizing prayers and supplications.
“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me” (Psalm 13:1, 2).
Even our Lord cried out to Heavenly Father, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46).
“Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint” (Psalms 61:1, 2).
When men feel they are at their lowest point in life, “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! Lord, hear my voice” (Psalms 130:1, 2).
Even the prophets protested, “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen” (Habakkuk 1:2, 3).
Yet the Lord assures us, “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles (Psalms 34:6).
