“How long wilt Thou forget me, O Lord? forever? How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?”— Psalm 13:1, 2.
FOUR times the Psalmist asks the question, “How long?” He was suffering keenly; his soul was in deep distress, and it seemed that there was no end to his sorrow and perplexity.
Many other children of God have been in the same condition, and have felt as though the Lord had forgotten and was indifferent to their needs and their prayers, but we may be sure that He never forgets, and even though He may permit the trial to continue for what seems to us an exceedingly long time, relief will come at last, and we shall know as we look back that all His dealings with us were in love and grace.
“‘Father, Thy will, not Mine, be done;’
So prayed on earth Thy suffering Son;
So in His name I pray.
The spirit faints, the flesh is weak,
Thy help in agony I seek—
Oh, take this cup away!
If such be not Thy sov’reign will,
Thy wiser purpose then fulfill;
My wishes I resign;
Into Thy hands my soul commend,
On Thee for life or death depend;
Thy will be done, not mine.”