Have you ever had times so bad that you wondered if God was even there? Maybe you have prayed long and hard about something without ever seeing a glimpse of hope? And though you never want to deny God, you think, “Where is He??!!” Maybe the trouble you are in is something you caused, or at least helped to cause. And you wonder, “Can God still be merciful here too?”
This was a regular occurrence to one of the greatest men in the Bible, King David. From a casual glance, David seems to win at everything. He is a great warrior, a hero of the nation. People love him, he is good looking, he becomes rich. I mean it looks like he has everything! And yet a closer look at his writings in the psalms reveals that regularly he seems to be in trouble. Although he is a hero, many hate him and try to destroy him. He is in danger for his life regularly. Many times he is on the verge of losing all that he has, including his life! The closer he got to losing what was most precious to him, the more he practiced something that brought him out of despair. He practiced remembering what God had done for him. In the middle of his worst challenges in life, he would bring to mind the great things God had done for him
“Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?
Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?
Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” Selah
Then I thought, “To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High.” I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. – Psalms 77:7-12 (NIV)
In the challenging spots is where we have to dig down deep into ourselves and say, “God has helped me in the past {I suggest you make a real list- be specific}, and He will do it again. He will bring all His resources to me in the midst of my present trouble.”
Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. – Psalms 77:13-14 (NIV)When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God is for me.
In God will I praise his word: in the LORD will I praise his word.
In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. – Psalms 56:9-11 (KJV)
Believe it or not, God likes that kind of faith and confidence. Just go ahead and expect God to come through for you again! And when He does, everyone will know what a great God He is!!