Everyone experiences loneliness, sadness, and stress at some point, and many people suffer in fear, anxiety, hopelessness, or depression. If you are suffering, whether from circumstances beyond your control or internal struggles, you are not alone, and you do not have to face these woes by yourself.
While there are numerous figures in Scripture who suffered but were restored by God, one of the most notable examples is David. David’s story is recorded in great detail in his own words and in the words of others. Throughout his life, David endured several seasons of hardship. His own family despised him, his wife was taken and given to another man, his father-in-law hunted him for four years and tried to kill him, his son passed away, and another son revolted against him. While living in a cave in the wilderness, hiding from Saul, David says this:
“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?”
– Psalm 13:1-2 (NKJV)
It’s easy to think of David as an epic Bible hero, larger than life – but at this moment, David bares his heart and shows how much he has in common with you and me. Not only is he suffering emotional distress like any man, he is also struggling with doubts and wrestling with his faith. Why has the Lord forgotten him? It would have been easy for David to give up. What’s the point, after all? However, he chooses to keep going and trust God, as we see a few verses later:
“But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”
– Psalm 13:5-6 (NKJV)
In our hardest moments, even when we cannot see God’s hand working or hope anywhere on the horizon, God is working for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28) and worship Him in Spirit and truth (John 4:24). The evidence of God’s hand will surely follow, as will the restoration of life.
David expresses his thankfulness to God for his own deliverance and restoration, saying:
“I will love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies. The pangs of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodliness made me afraid. The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears.”
– Psalm 18:1-6 (NKJV)
“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”
– Psalm 9:9-10 (NKJV)
While it’s no shame to struggle mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, remember not to stay there. Worship God despite your circumstances, and live as a testament to His faithfulness and goodness. He will never forget nor forsake you. You may not see it yet, but restoration is coming.
– Jennifer A. Turner, Staff Writer
To view courses in Spanish, click here.
