Does God delay? 

The Psalms put into words some of the deepest human emotions. When we read these songs, we feel like the writer understands how we are feeling. Psalm 13 begins with a series of questions much like the questions we may be asking today. 

From an Africa Study Bible application note:

We live in an instant world. We can purchase instant milk and instant coffee. Technology gives us quick answers to our questions. We complain if someone does not answer our email right away or a text message in a few minutes. 

We often expect God to answer us right away, too. When he thought God had delayed too long, David composed this psalm. He thought God had forgotten him or did not care. 

The Yakoma people of the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who live beside rivers, say, A mon zi mon gbi ein poko mon, meaning, “You never abandon your paddle when you are in big waves.” Paddling a canoe is never easy when the waves are strong. If the waves and wind are particularly large and strong, you may lose control or even lose your paddle. Then you would be totally helpless! Giving up on God in a difficult situation is like giving up paddling a canoe during a storm. 

We should never give up on God, because he is our only hope. Like David, we should bring our concerns to God. God’s ways are not our ways. We may feel like we need an answer tomorrow, but God may take time providing an answer. Maybe his delay is a demonstration of his love for us. While we wait for God, like David we should keep trusting in God’s unfailing love, rejoicing in his salvation, and singing his praises.  

Today: 

The ancient African church father Athanasius said, “do not desert your post thinking you have been forgotten by God, but call upon him by singing Psalm 13.” In crisis, we can sing to remind ourselves of God’s love. Select several songs from a hymn book or online that speak about God’s faithfulness and his unfailing love. If they are new songs, learn how to sing them alone or with friends and family. Determine that when you are struggling with fear or you begin to doubt God’s love and faithfulness, you will sing these songs of praise.