Dead-end Thoughts

Do you ever feel that God has forgotten you in certain areas? That some of your concerns are not His? That no matter how much you pray Biblically about a specific issue, there seems to be a cement wall between you and God, because He's not answering?

So, the other day, I whined. I mean, screechy-voiced whining. "Why aren't you caring like I do about this issue, God?" "Why do I feel more compassionate that you seem to be regarding thus-and-so?" It wasn't pretty, but it was honest. My skies were gray, and this problem seemed a little like Henry there (may he rest in peace), dead and buried as far as God was concerned.

And then John Calvin sauntered into my life and spoke thus: "And whenever God does not assist us according to our wish, but conceals his aid for a little time, it is a frequent stratagem of Satan, to allege that our hope was to no purpose, as if his promise had failed." (Calvin's Commentaries, Vol. 17) Gulp.

And to think that just weeks ago in my devotions I was reminded that This God, his way is perfect, the word of the Lord proves true. (Psalm 18:30) And this God has promised to never leave nor forsake me in Hebrews 13:5. And that he fulfills his purposes for me and others (Psalm 57:2). And that all of God's promises find their yes in [Christ]. We are free from our burdens because of Christ's death on the cross, who carried then and carries now our burdens for us.

So I need to stop whining and start believing that God is answering my prayers in his way and his time and for his glory. And remind myself again tomorrow . . . and next week.