Raw Prayers: Praying Through Our DoubtSample

WHERE ARE YOU, GOD?

So, Asaph is disgusted by the injustice he sees around him- “Why, God?” And David is crying out to God as he personally experiences injustice- “How long, God?” Now, we also see Jesus crying out to God, using David’s own words- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” In other words, “Where are you, God?” There is no doubt that Jesus was murdered- his crucifixion was the very definition of unfair and unjust. Yet, God seemed to stand back and allow it to happen. And Asaph saw God standing back, allowing the wealthy and powerful to oppress the poor. David felt God standing far off, allowing him to be pursued by enemies. What’s the deal, God? Where are you?

And this is where Asaph’s feet stopped sliding. Here is where he could have gone off the precipice, but instead, he finds balance. He is overwhelmed by doubt “until I went into the sanctuary of God…” Perhaps he had exhausted all other avenues of understanding- wise men, priests, his parents, etc. But, he finally walks his weary feet to the Temple. Here he finds the people of God gathered in repentance and in worship. And here He finds God himself. The God who saves. The God of justice. And judgment will come. The future King Jesus will rescue and redeem, judge, and restore. The final verdict on evil is guaranteed. Just as the final verdict for those who love the Lord is guaranteed. What Asaph found was a sovereign God who was slow to act. “Slow” according to our timeline. Slow for our sake.

Where are you, God? You are here. You are watching. You are working. You are patient. You are keeping your promises.

Ask Yourself:

-What are you impatient for God to do?

-How does the “slowness” of God frustrate you? Encourage you?

Pause to pray through your doubt: Use David’s cries in Psalm 22:1-2 to lead you into prayer- “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.”

Take a Next Step: Like Asaph, like David, don’t walk away from the sanctuary of the Lord. Rather, walk toward the gathering of God’s people. Commit to being in a worship service this week. Allow yourself to praise God, even as you work through your doubts.