agony of faith
“Do not hide your face from me, otherwise I will become like those who fall into the pit.” – Psalm 143:7b
Of all the biblical characters, David gives us a glimpse of a man who walked with God with great emotion in victory and defeat. David never lost a battle during his many years of serving as Israel’s king. In many of the psalms, David often laments about the difficult places God has placed him in. He talked about his enemies and his need for God to deliver him. He spoke of God’s eternal love for him. How do you think David came to this understanding after years of being pursued by King Saul, who wanted to take his life? Years of turmoil within his family gave him many reasons to lose all hope in a loving God.
David often began his psalms from a place of despair and loss of hope. But he never ended any bhajan with defeat. By the end of the hymn he always came to a place of victory in God. David always placed his life in God’s hands, knowing that He would take care of him.
In the morning give me news of your steadfast love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the path I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you. O Lord, save me from my enemies, for I am hidden in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; May your good Spirit lead me on level ground (Psalm 143:8-10).
It’s okay to feel disappointed. It’s part of the process of grieving and working through that pain. But God wants each of us to allow Him to walk with us in these places. If you find yourself in one of these places, do what David did. Ask God to show you the way and let Him deliver the message of His unfailing love to you.
