Where Are You, God?
Opening Prayer
“Come near to God and he will come near to you” (Jas. 4:8). Thank God for that truth as you come before him now.
Read Psalm 60:1-12
[1] For the director of music. To the tune of “The Lily of the Covenant.” A miktam of David. For teaching. When he fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when Joab returned and struck down twelve thousand Edomites in the Valley of Salt. You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry-now restore us! [2] You have shaken the land and torn it open; mend its fractures, for it is quaking. [3] You have shown your people desperate times; you have given us wine that makes us stagger. [4] But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow. Selah [5] Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered. [6] God has spoken from his sanctuary: “In triumph I will parcel out Shechem and measure off the Valley of Succoth. [7] Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. [8] Moab is my washbasin, upon Edom I toss my sandal; over Philistia I shout in triumph.” [9] Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? [10] Is it not you, O God, you who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? [11] Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. [12] With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the psalmist’s prayer and hope here?Have you ever felt abandoned by God? I have. During a traumatic time of chemotherapy, I was rushed into hospital isolation. I had no pajamas, no toiletries, no book except for the Gideon Bible in the locker drawer. I had prayed hard that my immune system would cope with the aggressive treatment. What had gone wrong? Where was God anyway? After feeling sorry for myself, I opened my Bible to Psalm 22:1 and read how David also felt forsaken by God. Even Jesus on the cross uttered these same words (Matt. 27:46).
It’s OK to feel as if God’s no longer with you, provided you realize he’s always right there, waiting for you to turn back to him. When faced with extreme suffering, Job’s wife urged Job to curse God (Job 2:9). She recognized God had permitted harm to come their way. Yet Job refused to be angry with the Lord (2:10).
Throughout Psalm 60, David recognized God’s hand in the situation (1-3). God allowed the calamities to happen, yet that didn’t stop David from finding reason to praise God (4). He went on to acknowledge that only God can give them a victory. The psalm ends on a note of faith (12).
Apply
Do you feel abandoned by God? Is there an area where you need his support? Tell God. He’s right there.
Closing prayer
Lord, whenever I feel alone and deserted by You, remind me of Your constant, faithful presence and care.
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