Why Are You So Far Away, Lord?

By Gail Purath (read her blog here)

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“Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” *

Psalms often begin like the one above. This tells us:

We can honestly share our feelings with God.

Even the best of God’s children have doubts and confusion.

The Psalms are good to read when we're troubled because the Psalmist always moves from doubts and confusion to faith and hope.

"Thou hast seen it; for thou beholdest mischief and spite, to requite it with thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee; thou art the helper of the fatherless.” *

Psalm-like prayers will:

change our perspective

remind us of God’s past faithfulness

assure us of God’s present and future faithfulness

Are you feeling discouraged? Tell God about it honestly, then change your perspective by reminding yourself of God’s past, present and future faithfulness in your life.

*Psalm 10:1,14

(There is only one of the 150 Psalms that does not end with hope: Psalm 88.)

About Gail:

Gail Purath has been married to her best friend for 41 years, has two married children and seven grandchildren. Her blog Bible Love Notes (http://biblelovenotes.blogspot.com) features one-minute devotions each weekday.