Faith is the Evidence of Unseen, Unfelt Things
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?
O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.
Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them.
To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.
Psalms 22:1–5 ESV Read More
If this Psalm sounds familiar, it’s because we hear it every Easter. Jesus prayed this prayer from the cross. He wasn’t the original author, though. This was written by David, possibly for King Saul, one thousand years before Jesus died on the cross for our sins.
David was destitute. He felt completely abandoned by God in a time of great need. He was groaning and crying day and night and did not hear God answer. Even worse, God wasn’t answering.
There is a critical precipice when we reach this state. It has very little to do with how we feel or what our circumstances are, and a TON to do with our humility stance. If we become demanding of God, insistent that He listen to US and give some answers we may be sorely disappointed. Job, who was more righteous than most of us, never got an explanation. God looks out for us and cares for us, but He doesn’t always inform or educate us on everything.
The glorious path is to take the path of David and ultimately, Jesus. To not feel God’s presence or hear His voice and to trust Him anyway. That’s not abnormal. It’s also not blind and stupid.
Charles Spurgeon suffered from acute depression. Often he was bedridden and unable to preach, sometimes as much as twice a month. Think about that! Look at how much Elijah struggled with hopelessness, but he continued to do what he felt God was calling him to do.
Look back at the great things God has done, even if it’s never been for you. Beyond your understanding and vision, somebody else may see what God did in you someday and hold onto their faith because of it.
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