“Long enough, God—you’ve ignored me long enough. I’ve looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I’ve carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain. Long enough my arrogant enemies have looked down their noses at me. Take a good look at me, God, my God; I want to look life in the eye, so no enemy can get the best of me or laugh when I fall on my face. I’ve thrown myself headlong into your arms—I’m celebrating your rescue. I’m singing at the top of my lungs, I’m so full of answered prayers.”
–David, Psalm 13 MSG
Some seemingly choose to teach that living this Christian life is all cotton candy, unicorns, and tiptoeing through the tulips — that we will not face adversity or challenges. Yet, as much as that would be awesome, the centuries of Christendom simply doesn’t display this, even throughout the scriptures. Charles Spurgeon asserts Psalm 13 gives voice to feelings that arise in any of the many trials that a person undergoes in life. This life is going to have its share of ups and downs.
As we continue to walk through this life as Christians we are going to be reminded that this life has its challenges and that it is okay to recognize them. Not every prayer we pray or song we sing will feel positive. Sometimes, like David, we need to stop and and cry out to God and say “How long, O Lord?”
We’re going to be faced with adversity in this life and it is okay to respond with lament; after all, we’re all human. And despite what the media and positive thinkers may proclaim, pain is going to happen in this life, but we can sing at the top of our lungs because of God’s proven faithfulness! Remember, joy is not the same as happiness. You might be knee-deep in sorrow, but you can walk through it with joy-filled determination!
Luke Gambill 