10/27/2022
When we are set upon by trouble, and we are pierced through by life’s talons, what is it that we scream out in pain? When we are struggling in the world, and are wounded, do our cuts cause us to cry out desperately in our suffering like a young hare in its distress? In those darkest moments do we doubt God, and ask Him loudly, “Why have you forgotten us?”
“I say to God, my rock: “Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?””
Psalm 42:9 ESV
Don’t we know that by speaking to Him in this way that our struggle, and the sound of our cries, brings the fox and the wild cat running to where we are? It is the same in the spiritual world. So often as Christians we alert Satan, and his minions, to our distress, and they come running to devour what they believe to be an easy meal. The sound of our weakness becomes their joy, and the hopeful sound of opportunity as their senses feed on our doubt, and they growl at us… “Where is your God now?”
“As with a deadly wound in my bones, my adversaries taunt me, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?””
Psalm 42:10 ESV
Our doubt weakens us, and strengthens those who would do us harm. The whispered voice of the slightest pain within us can lead us to forget the strength and compassion of our Lord, and begin the aching of an uncertainty that will ultimately undo us if we partake of it.
“But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
Romans 14:23 ESV
Unless bridled, our doubt will become bitter tears that we will feed on, and like the screams of the frightened rabbit we will call out repeatedly in desperate distress to the waiting ears of our enemy. Doubt, like our Faith grows when it is tended. Doubt by the water of a dying world, and faith by the living water that flows from Jesus Christ. What feeds us?
“My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all the day long, “Where is your God?””
Psalm 42:3 ESV
Our God knows our plight, and the suffering we endure, and He will certainly rescue us, but not by our doubting, it is our hope that opens our hurting hearts to Him. When we praise Him it quickens His step, and in our prayers we grant Him access to our souls, and His healing knife to the source of our pain.
“Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. “
Psalm 42:5-6 ESV
So, as we are made to suffer in this world, through the death of those we love, the pain of our falling, the aching muscles of our labor, childbirth, or a million other thorns and talons that pierce us, let’s not allow doubt to creep into our hearts, but rather, let’s take a deep drink of living water instead. Are we ready to erase the questioning of God, and replace it with songs of praise?
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the trust, and hope, we have in you, and for the strength of your boundless mercy, grace, and love that comforts us in our moments of distress. We thank you for your Son Jesus who called out to you from the cross, and taught us there to overcome the doubt of man through our faith, and trust in you, and by quoting your Word as we face life’s temptations, and the pain of the world that can lead Satan to stalk us like a hungry lion. Help us overcome our weaknesses as we pray for you to lift us up with your strong right arm, and to overcome every doubt we might be tempted towards. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God who holds us firm in faith, and overcomes our every pain and doubt as the world confronts us. Praised be your name as we are made strong by our suffering, and for every time we are tempted to question where you are, but resist that temptation through your Holy Spirit that brings to the remembrance that you are with us always. Merciful are you who removes our pain and suffering in your perfect time, and knows them before we bring ourselves to voice them in prayer. Wash us clean of our sin with the blood of Jesus Christ, and transform us into His likeness so that at the moment of our judgement you will see Him in us, and call us worthy. Seat us thus at your table for all eternity, and hear us as we worship you, and sing of our love, and faith, in you… absent of all shameful doubt forever, and forevermore.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt;”
Jude 1:20-22 ESV
Rich Forbes