PRAYER FOR DELIVERANCE

David is desolate. He feels abandoned, forgotten by the Lord, the God who has covenanted with his people Israel. However, because of that relationship, he can direct his temporary misery to him. Four times he asks the Lord, “How long?” The martyrs prayed the same prayer, “Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long will it be before you judge and avenge our blood on the inhabitants of the earth?” How many times have we expressed the same sentiment to God? We know he has the power to lovingly deliver his beloved people from evil, and yet he seems unconcerned. David’s despair is compounded because he is tormented day and night by his own thoughts while his enemy exalts over him. Ultimately, God doesn’t answer human questions. He dwells in eternity, and as such is not confined to time. He will act, but only when it is right.

So David asks that his eyes be opened, for he fears that without God’s intervention he may well die at the hand of his enemy. Then, although the circumstances have not changed, he confidently affirms his trust in the steadfast, covenant faithfulness of the Lord and rejoices in the hope of the salvation which God has so bountifully given his people.

Under the new covenant, we receive God’s steadfast, unfailing love, but there are times when we, too, may feel deserted by God. Some call it “the dark night of the soul.” David’s words encourage us to communicate with God honestly, to ask for our eyes to be enlightened and consciously to place our confidence in his unfailing love. Nothing may change, except us, and we will find reason to rejoice and praise him for his goodness, for, as verse 6 states, he has dealt bountifully with us, granting our God-inspired desires.

Are you, or someone you know, feeling that God is not listening? Pray for patience and for eyes to see his steadfast, bountiful, covenant love within the circumstances.