How Long?

“Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord–how long?” Psalm 6:2-3

I haven’t suffered much physical pain. I’ve had the occasional sprained ankle, a few headaches, but that’s really all. The longest I’ve ever been laid up physically was after a minor knee surgery while in high school. I was on crutches for two days and missed a couple of basketball games. But guess what I was asking? “How long do I need these crutches??” Wow–I’m pretty soft!

David knew pain–physical (“my bones are troubled”) and spiritual (“my soul also”). He had lived his life in the pastures and on the battlefield and his body felt it every day. He had also made many terrible decisions which resulted in grief, broken relationships and tremendous family discord. Both his body and soul ached for God’s healing touch. Perhaps you can relate. You or someone you love is suffering a debilitating illness or chronic disease, resulting in constant pain. Or, perhaps your family has been split open by relational strife and your heart is raw with sorrow. If you are like any other human, you are asking, “How long, God? How long do I have to suffer? When will you make it stop?”

Friends–I cannot answer that question for you, but let me share this thought. “Your suffering is not a sign that you’ve been forsaken; rather it’s a sign that you live in a world that doesn’t function the way God intended and is in need of renewal” (Suffering, Paul David Tripp). May you know God’s grace and comfort until the day He sets all things right (I John 3:2).

-Pastor Mike