I have trusted in Your mercy . . . . I will sing to the Lord.
Psalm 13:5-6
Sometimes God doesn't grant our prayer requests right away. After a while we begin to feel
like the psalmist who said, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?"
(Psalm 13:1).
I remember feeling like that on one occasion when I had come to God, confessed my sin, and
asked for forgiveness and a renewed sense of joy. It seemed as if God's ears were closed
to my cry. Only after continuing to pray and wait for a long time did I regain the joy
that I had sought.
In John 11, we read that Mary and Martha called for Jesus to come because their brother
Lazarus was very sick (vv.1-44). The Lord delayed and Lazarus died. When Jesus finally did
come, however, He gave them a whole new appreciation of His love and power.
Why do you suppose God often delays His answers or denies our requests? I think the answer
is this: When God withholds His hand, He wants us to look to His heart. In other words, He
wants us to learn more about His goodness and His love, and to trust Him to do what is
best.
If He's withholding an answer to a request that is very important to you, just be patient.
Keep asking and believing. He may want you to look at His heartand to gain a new
appreciation for His wisdom and love.
-DCE
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my every care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
-Walford
When God withholds His hand, trust His heart.