24 / How Long?

Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” —Matthew 4:7

Warm-Up:

Get some reps in. Read Psalm 13 5 times.
Or in gym speak: 5x 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? Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” —Psalm 13

Round 1:

How is it possible for david to begin with “How long?” (13:1), and end with “my heart shall rejoice” (13:5).” Write your thoughts in your journal.

Round 2:

Write out the meaning of “HESED” - The word for god’s love in psalm 13:

HESED: An unconditional, active, and loyal love that never gives up. i.e. Romans 5:8 - “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Round 3:

Pray:

“How long! How long will my normal routine be ruined? How long will I have to carry around this burden? How long will the virus oppress this country and world? How long will injustice run wild? How long will racism divide us? How long will sickness wreck our bodies? I am asking You these questions today God. I may be asking with tears or clenched fists, but at least I’m bringing them to You! What hope do I have of being delivered from my sorrow into the light of Your presence? What reason do I have to believe that You will bridge the divide and answer my cry for help? I will not lean on my present experience with You, but rather Your eternal character: I will trust in your steadfast love; my heart will rejoice in your salvation. I will not lose faith that I will prevail in the end.” (Psalm 13:5).

Burn Out:

Start a phone call train. Start calling people and keep calling people to encourage them and give them a lift today. Maybe it’s one person in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. Maybe it’s one person an hour. Create the challenge for yourself and get after it!

All this week:

If you or someone you know needs assistance, needs to talk, or needs to pray with someone please text the Second Place Church team at 708-866-0092. We are in this together!