“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.”
Psalm 69:13
The book of Psalms is full of prayers, many by King David, of all kinds. In Psalm 69, the prayer is one of desperate need. In some bible translations, the title of the psalm is “Save Me, O God.” It’s full of David’s pleas to God to deliver him from the horrible things he is facing. In the middle of it all, David makes this statement, full of mature faith and unquestioning trust. He asks that God will answer his prayer with his saving faithfulness at an acceptable time. What great faith that requires!
He tells God about his great pain and suffering and asks confidently that God save him from it, but only in His own perfect timing. This is an aspect of faith that doesn’t get enough attention, in my opinion. It’s difficult! No one wants to wait around and continue enduring pain or suffering, no one wants to wait for an answer to their prayer. God, however, does not live by our schedules. Thankfully, he has his own plan, one that is much greater than ours. That is something that David understands well. He has no fear in expressing to the Lord how he feels, sharing his pain with him, and even asking God to deliver him from it, but he knows that it may not be immediate. He may have to wait, and that’s ok. He prays that God will do all that he asked at a time that seems good to Him.
Often I feel like I know best, like I know what I need and when I need it. How arrogant of me to believe that I know better than the Almighty God. I don’t want my life to depend on my plans or my timing. What a disaster that would be. I want my life to depend only on God’s plan, God’s will, and God’s perfect timing.
God is never late. At an acceptable time He will answer you. In verse 33, David says “The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.” He hears your prayer, he feels your pain, and he is working out a plan for your good. It will all come in His perfect timing if you will wait on Him, and trust Him.
Prayer:
Father,
I thank you that I am not the one making the plans, that I’m not responsible for my own salvation. I know that I could never do it on my own. Thank you for your perfect timing, your plan for my life, and your steadfast and enduring love. Help me to trust you always and to wait on your timing.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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