How long? This question or some form of it is asked frequently by young and old alike. “How long until my birthday?” “How long until Christmas?” “How much longer until we get there?” “How much longer is evil going to triumph and believers be persecuted for their faith?” “How much longer do we have to wear masks and follow the protocols to protect both others and ourselves from Covid-19?” Our list of “How long?” questions is endless.

In a time of distress, David is asking this question not once but four times. He wants to know how long until the Lord is going to see how much trouble he is in and come to his rescue. If the Lord doesn’t come to his aid, death appears to be eminent. BUT (there’s that powerful little word) in the midst of his trouble he remembers God’s unfailing love and suddenly David is moved to offer praise to the Lord for all the blessings God has bestowed upon him in the past and he is moved to rejoice and to praise the Lord.

I expect each of us has our list of “How long?” questions and it may seem that the Lord is turning a deaf ear to our pleas and a blind eye to our plight. But do we rejoice in knowing that at the end of our journey when the Lord returns, we will be ushered into the realm of the eternal kingdom of God when time won’t matter anymore.

When our glorious Lord returns, we will say “So long” to “How long” forever. Praise the Lord!

Rev. Bill Monroe

Extended Scripture: Psalms 11-14 (NIV)