How Long?

We may wonder about one who is standing around with their hands in their pockets while others are busy at work. Why don't they put those hands to use? Why stand idly by when it appears obvious to us they should be doing something? Can't they see what is going on? Are they not able to tell there is help that is needed? Do they not care?

In one of the psalms of Asaph we read. . .
"(9) We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, and there is NONE AMONG US WHO KNOWS HOW LONG. (10) HOW LONG, O GOD, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? (11) WHY DO YOU HOLD BACK YOUR HAND, your right hand? TAKE IT FROM THE FOLD OF YOUR GARMENT and destroy them!" ( Psalm 74:9-11)

"How long?" Not the first time nor the last to be asked. (i.e. Psalm 35:17; Psalm 94:3; Revelation 6:10) The temple of God and the meeting places had been destroyed and burned. (vss.4-8) Why had God not responded? "How long" was God going to allow it to go on?

Have we ever pictured God standing with His hands in His pockets when we felt He should have been taking action? We may wonder when we see how the truth of God is treated and worldly ideologies are exalted, why God doesn't bring deliverance or the end He said would come. Like Asaph, we may be puzzled. Perhaps we could even be tempted to think God doesn't care. However, the reality is that GOD DOES CARE. In fact HE CARES so much that His withholding bringing the enemies of truth to an end is a sign of HIS GREAT PATIENCE toward humanity. For time to go on for now in this realm provides further opportunity for God's Will to be acknowledged and embraced.

Peter stated it this way. . .
"(8) But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (9) The LORD IS NOT SLOW to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, BUT IS PATIENT toward you, NOT WISHING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, BUT THAT ALL SHOULD REACH REPENTANCE." ( 2 Peter 3:8-9 ESV)

Perhaps GOD'S PATIENCE is not always easy to understand. Let us remember His wisdom far exceeds ours. (note Isaiah 55:9 and 1 Corinthians 1:25) That is why we need to trust Him and be patient ourselves. What seems to us like a long time is but a short time to God. The older I get the shorter time seems to have been. It is all relative to what we understand about time. When we are in that glorious eternity with God, to us our lifespan here and all we might have had to endure will seem very brief. Paul referred to the challenges of this realm from such a heavenly minded perspective as being "momentary." ( 2 Corinthians 4:17)

"How long?" Yes, we may wonder. We may not understand. It may be perplexing. However, Peter went on to state that the day of the Lord will come! ( 2 Peter 3:10) It will happen. Knowing GOD DOES CARE and is fully aware of everything going on in this realm, may we continue to trust Him to work it all out in His good time.

Have a great day PATIENTLY TRUSTING GOD'S TIMETABLE!
Carl

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