Waiting To See God’s Face

Bible Reading: Psalm 13

“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?” (Psalm 13:1-2)

We can hear many people say many different things about God and finding joy and satisfaction in Him. But, in reality, no one’s words alone will ever fully console us or open to us a new path. The only way we can be changed and grow is if God personally intervenes in our lives in one way or another. Without God, our life is helpless. 

If God never turns our hearts to love Him, we would never love Him. If God never reveals that true satisfaction is found in Him, we will never find true satisfaction in Him. In one sense, it is scary. If God does not act and provide a miracle in our life, then we are doomed. But that is the essence and stake of faith. 

We are called to surrender all to trust in Him. All means literally everything until our only hope is in God’s response alone. This is a hard and uncomfortable place to be. At times, we may feel as if God is distant. We may feel forgotten, as if God has hidden His face from us. 

But this is faith. God assures that He is steadfast and faithful. Will we trust Him or not? 

In God’s hidden wisdom, He is shaping us through trials of unbelief and spiritual barrenness to trust Him and Him alone. If we were not stripped of all our other hopes, we would never cling to God. 

God is shaping us to bring us to our knees and our Bibles so that we earnestly seek Him and Him alone. To see God’s face, see His glory and goodness through His Word is only His grace. Granted, God speaks through His Word, who is Jesus Christ. But, we will not understand the words of the Bible unless the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds and hearts to revel in God’s truth. To know God is only by His grace. 

Those who trust in Him, trust in Him. It is not of themselves, but it is God’s sustaining grace. No matter how dark the road may seem, they hold on to the slightest glimmer of light. “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation” (Psalm 13:5); they reassure themselves. They feel ugly, a mix of unbelief, hypocrisy and disgust at themselves. Yet, despite all feelings, they press on to resolve, “I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). They confess and believe. Surely God is working amongst them as children who are being disciplined. Teaching them to what end they were saved — to trust in Him completely, know Him, and enjoy Him forever. 

Lord, the words of human servants, are limited. What each person needs is You. Unless You work to intervene in everyone’s lives, there will be no change. Bring everyone who reads this to know You. Work in the lives of each soul. How long, O LORD? We wait patiently, trusting in Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ name, amen.