'O God, how long ...?'

'O God, how long ...?'

 

 

In times of various troubles, if the intense pain continues

and we reach the point where we can no longer endure

and feel we have reached the limit of our patience,

we, like the psalmist, may cry out to God:

"How long, O God, will You look on?" (Ref.: Psalms 35:17)
"How long, O God, will this go on?" (Ref.: 89:46; 90:13)
"How long, O Lord, will I have to bear this pain and suffering?" (Ref.: 13:2)
"How long, O Lord, will You forget me?" (Ref.: v. 1)

"God, my heart is deeply troubled; how long will I have to wait?" (Ref.: 6:3)
"God, how long will You refuse to listen to my prayers?" (Ref.: 80:4)

Additionally, like the angels of God, we might cry out,

"How long, O Lord, will You show mercy to me?" (Ref.: Zechariah 1:12)

At that time, God will respond to us with words of kindness and comfort:
"I have great love and concern for you.  I will show you mercy and refine you,

setting you firmly on the rock of faith, as pure as gold.
I will bless you abundantly and make you rich.

I will comfort you and bless you"
(Ref.: Zechariah 1:13-17; Job 23:10; Psalms 62:6; Matthew 16:18).