How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? Psalm 13:1
Matthew Henry's Commentary on this verse says: It is a common temptation when trouble lasts long to feel as if God has forgotten us or is hiding His face (His favor). Those who have been long without joy, begin to be without hope."
Barnes Notes informs: "The darkness deepens, the mind is overwhelmed, yet he goes to God and asks...with feelings of despair whether these troubles will never cease, whether he may never hope for deliverance."
Finally I read Spurgeon's Treasury of David: "How long the days appear when our soul is downcast within us! How wearily the moments seem to glide o'er sadness!"
Sometimes the FIERCE COUNTING leads to feeling forgotten. Lord, it has been years we have been conversing about some of the same issues. In this moment, today as I ask the FIERCE QUESTIONS again, the mercy of the Lord turns my holy imagination to heaven's throne room. I am small in that space as God's throne occupies the universe. While the throne of God is raised and far away as I stand just across the threshold, I do not feel far away. I only feel the love and delight of Yahweh as it fills everything, fills me. The golden brightness of that space is filled with joy and excitement. Worship is the hum of heaven.
I finish reading Psalm 13: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me.
Lesson 14: God is not angry with me or far away when I struggle with FIERCE QUESTIONS.