“How long, O Lord?”

The hits. Just. Keep. On. Coming. All at once. It feels Job-like. When I was sick, I often cried prayers of despair and lament. https://laurihogle.com/about/ They filled my tears, especially as I lay in hospital beds missing my little children and husband.

Despair and Lament

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? (Ps. 13:1a)

My soul also is greatly troubled.
    But you, O Lord—how long? (Ps. 6:3)

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
    and you will not hear? (Hab. 1:2)

These are time questions. When will this end? We remember that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (2 Peter 3:8). We know His perfect timing is different and that is our answer for now. 

But how can we endure this suffering? 

Could praise be an answer?

Praise turns our thoughts to His never-changing character and His always-good purposes. 

Scriptural despair and lament songs “turnaround” to praise

Biblical laments almost always include praise. The Lord rescued me in the midst of my suffering, as psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs mingled with Scriptures.

They helped me praise Him through tears. 

Praise interruptions became His gifts for endurance when it did not feel well with my soul. 

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

We can turn to Him in tears, pray and sing bold words in honest praise interruptions like:

But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me (Ps. 13:5-6).

Like David, we desperately despair and lament, “How long, O Lord?” and beg, crying for His help.

Then…

Praise Interruptions in Your Despair and Lament: The Power of “But”

• I am hurting and it may not end…BUT I trust in Your steadfast love. 

• I am suffering right now…BUT I rejoice in the salvation You have graciously lavished on me in Jesus Christ.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

• I look to eternal glory. You promise, Father. One day, my suffering will be over, you will look at me as You see Jesus, and “how long” will be answered in the resurrection! 

I too can sing praise in my despair and lament!

My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Praise Fostering Trust

• I praise You that this light momentary affliction is preparing for me an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison (2 Cor. 4:17). How long, oh Lord? Haste the day! 

• Today? I trust You with what You are doing in my pain. I look forward to seeing You in all Your glory.

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

“It is Well with My Soul”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe_qmo3gX4

Today, can you trust Him and praise Him through tears? How? 

I’d love to send you gifts to help. I know. It’s so hard.

Sign up below if you’d like weekly playlists and prayers to encourage you in the midst of your suffering. I’d love to walk alongside you, dear friend.

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