How Long, O Lord?
“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?” — Psalm 13:1
Many of us resonate with King David’s heartfelt cry, experiencing seasons of waiting and feeling overlooked. We grapple with unanswered prayers and unfulfilled desires, wondering if God hears us. Yet, He invites us to bring our deepest frustrations and longings to Him, assuring us that He is actively working in our lives.
Waiting can be challenging, but our perspective during the wait makes all the difference. Think about the contrast between waiting at the DMV and waiting outside a store on Black Friday. Standing in line at the DMV feels tedious and draining—a necessary chore we’d rather avoid. In contrast, waiting in line on Black Friday is filled with excitement and anticipation, knowing that something amazing awaits us.
As believers, our waiting should resemble the eager anticipation of Black Friday rather than the drudgery of the DMV. We’re not merely passing time; we’re expectantly looking forward to what God has promised. Pastor Eugene Peterson aptly said:
“Hope means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do.”
This kind of hope is rooted in faith—a willingness to let God work in His way and timing, trusting that His plans are worth the wait.
Entering the Advent season, we reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ and the centuries of anticipation that preceded His birth. The people of Israel stood in a metaphorical line, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises.
In Luke 1:5-25, we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple living in difficult times. Israel hadn’t heard from a prophet since Malachi 400 years earlier, and they were under Roman occupation. Many had grown weary, but Zechariah and Elizabeth remained faithful, “observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Despite their righteousness, they faced personal disappointment—they were childless and advanced in years, which was a source of shame in their culture.
While Zechariah was performing his priestly duties in the temple—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—something extraordinary happened. An angel appeared with astonishing news: they would have a son named John. This wasn’t just personal joy; it was the fulfillment of God’s promises spoken through Scripture. The angel’s message echoed Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6:
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me… He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents.”
God was speaking to Zechariah through the very Scriptures he cherished, demonstrating that His Word remained alive and active even after centuries of seeming silence.
Despite this divine encounter, Zechariah doubted:
“How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)
His focus on human limitations overshadowed God’s limitless power. As a result, he was rendered silent until the prophecy’s fulfillment—a period that became an opportunity for reflection and a powerful sign of God’s sovereignty.
God doesn't move in response to our faith. Rather, our faith is in response to the move of God.
Elizabeth did conceive, and her response was filled with gratitude:
“The Lord has done this for me… In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)
Their story offers valuable lessons:
As we reflect on their story, let’s apply these lessons to our own lives. Just as waiting in line on Black Friday fills us with excitement for what’s to come, let’s wait with expectant hope for God’s work in our lives. Let’s remain faithful in our daily routines, listen for God’s voice in Scripture, and trust His perfect timing.
Our lives may feel like a long wait, but the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reassures us that God hears, speaks, and fulfills His promises. Even when we can’t see it, He is bringing life out of barrenness and hope out of hopelessness.
Many of us resonate with King David’s heartfelt cry, experiencing seasons of waiting and feeling overlooked. We grapple with unanswered prayers and unfulfilled desires, wondering if God hears us. Yet, He invites us to bring our deepest frustrations and longings to Him, assuring us that He is actively working in our lives.
Waiting can be challenging, but our perspective during the wait makes all the difference. Think about the contrast between waiting at the DMV and waiting outside a store on Black Friday. Standing in line at the DMV feels tedious and draining—a necessary chore we’d rather avoid. In contrast, waiting in line on Black Friday is filled with excitement and anticipation, knowing that something amazing awaits us.
As believers, our waiting should resemble the eager anticipation of Black Friday rather than the drudgery of the DMV. We’re not merely passing time; we’re expectantly looking forward to what God has promised. Pastor Eugene Peterson aptly said:
“Hope means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do.”
This kind of hope is rooted in faith—a willingness to let God work in His way and timing, trusting that His plans are worth the wait.
Entering the Advent season, we reflect on the arrival of Jesus Christ and the centuries of anticipation that preceded His birth. The people of Israel stood in a metaphorical line, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s promises.
In Luke 1:5-25, we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth, a devout couple living in difficult times. Israel hadn’t heard from a prophet since Malachi 400 years earlier, and they were under Roman occupation. Many had grown weary, but Zechariah and Elizabeth remained faithful, “observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.” Despite their righteousness, they faced personal disappointment—they were childless and advanced in years, which was a source of shame in their culture.
While Zechariah was performing his priestly duties in the temple—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—something extraordinary happened. An angel appeared with astonishing news: they would have a son named John. This wasn’t just personal joy; it was the fulfillment of God’s promises spoken through Scripture. The angel’s message echoed Malachi 3:1 and 4:5-6:
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me… He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents.”
God was speaking to Zechariah through the very Scriptures he cherished, demonstrating that His Word remained alive and active even after centuries of seeming silence.
Despite this divine encounter, Zechariah doubted:
“How can I be sure of this? I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.” (Luke 1:18)
His focus on human limitations overshadowed God’s limitless power. As a result, he was rendered silent until the prophecy’s fulfillment—a period that became an opportunity for reflection and a powerful sign of God’s sovereignty.
God doesn't move in response to our faith. Rather, our faith is in response to the move of God.
Elizabeth did conceive, and her response was filled with gratitude:
“The Lord has done this for me… In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)
Their story offers valuable lessons:
- God Hears Our Longings: Even when it seems nothing is happening, God listens to our prayers. We’re encouraged to express our desires and frustrations, trusting in His faithfulness.
- Embrace Ordinary Faithfulness: Zechariah and Elizabeth weren’t extraordinary by worldly standards. They served God daily in mundane ways, showing that ordinary faithfulness is significant in God’s plans.
- God Speaks Through Scripture: What seemed like a period of silence was filled with God’s active Word. Zechariah’s experience reminds us to immerse ourselves in Scripture, where God continues to speak to us.
- Trust God’s Timing: Delays are not denials. God’s promises come to fruition at the appointed time, often exceeding our expectations.
- Faith Responds to God’s Initiative: Our doubts don’t hinder God’s plans. Instead, they become opportunities for His power to be revealed more profoundly.
As we reflect on their story, let’s apply these lessons to our own lives. Just as waiting in line on Black Friday fills us with excitement for what’s to come, let’s wait with expectant hope for God’s work in our lives. Let’s remain faithful in our daily routines, listen for God’s voice in Scripture, and trust His perfect timing.
Our lives may feel like a long wait, but the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth reassures us that God hears, speaks, and fulfills His promises. Even when we can’t see it, He is bringing life out of barrenness and hope out of hopelessness.
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