Asking for a Sign

God, Where Are You?

Psalm 86:17

“Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.”

Sometimes, life deals a hand that knocks you flat on your back. You didn’t see it coming, or even if you did, the size of the tsunami was bigger and more intense than you were expecting.

This year has been tough. The last six weeks or so have been some of the most intense and stressful days in my life. The current stressors, coupled with the last year of stroke recovery and business struggles, have worn me down. Every day, there seems to be a new log piled on the burning flames.

I tend to look for the silver lining in all that I do, and all that makes me stumble. And I rarely reveal that things are anything other than upbeat, except to my closest friends. Ordinarily, I would say, “This, too, shall pass,” which generally implies the rough spots will be ending soon. But, under the circumstances, that statement does not ring true. It feels more like, “This, too, shall go on and on and on...”

I’ve taken a lot of time to reflect, to journal, and read the Word. I’ve prayed more and more intensely, than I’ve ever prayed before. I know it’s not true, but I have often felt like my prayers were bouncing off my ceiling and not reaching God’s ears. Could it be that His promise to “never leave nor forsake us” applies to others but not to me? Complicated struggles with no end in sight can certainly make one feel that way.

Similar to the cry of the Psalmist, I’ve cried out to “God, please give me a sign. Show me the way, Your way. Please open even a tiny window so that I may see the light, Your light, and have fresh air.”  When nothing seems to be forthcoming, all we can do is wait.  We are repeatedly reminded in the Bible to have peace and to be still. That may be one of the most difficult commands to follow when we are squirming in the discomfort of our circumstances. But it is so important to keep reminding ourselves of this instruction.

In challenging situations, the flippant but well-meaning comments from our friends can fall flat.

“God is in control.”

“Keep the faith.”

“Don’t worry. It will all turn out ok.”

That’s not always what we want to hear when our spirit feels like it is being pummeled when we’re already lying flat out on the floor. Sometimes, what we need is not advice; it’s just someone to truly listen and to really show they care.

We often read about others who have struggled and then have had the feeling of the Lord “swept in and held me.” But what if that doesn’t seem to apply to you? What if you don’t feel, see, or hear any of that comfort others have reported experiencing? What if you feel like you’re just slogging on, day after day, on your own?

Have you ever been through similarly challenging times? Are you going through them now?

Growing in Faith

Self-reflection, self-talk, and self-love can go a long way to bolster our moods as we cry out to God for a sign of His love and mercy. It also helps while waiting on His timing. If we act before His time, darting off to DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING - to get out of this uncomfortable situation, it will turn out to be like plucking and eating piece of bitter, unripe fruit. The result will be unfulfilling and may even lead us into something even more troublesome.

Times like these truly challenge us to grow our faith. We learn to trust in His timing, not our own. It is an opportunity to learn that closed doors may not be a bad thing. They may be an opportunity to rest, to pray, to allow situations and circumstances you know nothing about to mature. His best opportunity may take you in a completely new direction in your life.  Unfortunately, the waiting time – days, weeks, months, or even years - before the next door opens is usually the toughest and darkest hours of your life.

Writing about hard truths is hard on the writer, especially when the message is not particularly uplifting. I am grateful for your prayers and for your patience.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Father, You know the situations we are all struggling with during this present hour, whether it is about a relationship, a health challenge, financial difficulties, personal grief, or something else. Please give each of us a small sign of Your grace and mercy. Show us through Your loving compassion that our prayers are being heard and Your plan for us is slowly unfolding. Help us to really know – REALLY KNOW -that You are not finished with us and that more opportunities to serve You are forthcoming in Your time. As our faith grows through our struggles, comfort us with the knowing we are truly held in the palm of Your hand. In Jesus’ name, Amen.