Why Does God Terry?
Psalm 74:10-12 | June 5 - 11, 2023
As we drove toward the mountains in Utah this past week on an adoption journey the Lord put on our hearts many years ago, I was amazed at the beauty and wonder of our Sovereign King. And it’s this wonder that is so juxtaposed with the absence of peace in our world today. Amidst the chaos, busyness, and perceived randomness of this fallen world, my Lord gives me glimpses of His providence as I look back and reflect.
I’ve had the opportunity to give my testimony twice over the last three weeks, once in Senior Chapel and once in the Walking in Wisdom small group. Sharing my testimony brought to mind not only what the Lord has done, but also what He is doing in and through my life! Often, we may look at our current world and think, “Why does God tarry, why does He wait to return?” As I’ve been reading through the Psalms this year, just now entering Book Three of the Psalter, I get a glimpse of a similar feeling from Asaph of what was happening in Israel and our world today. As Asaph reflects in Psalm 74:10-11 he writes, “How long, O God, is the foe to scoff? Is the enemy to revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the fold of your garment and destroy them!” When the fallen sinfulness of this world is seen for what it is, the sentiments of Asaph from these two verses is understandable. Yet, this is not the end. There is a reason He holds back His right hand.
Asaph writes in verse 12, “Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.” Our Ancient of Days, as Daniel describes Him, has been working His plan of salvation on the earth, orchestrating throughout history the redemption of those whose names are written in the Book of Life! This brings to mind a statement made by Pastor Chris from a sermon earlier in May, where he said, “There is a reason God has not returned… there are still souls to be saved!” This is exactly what Asaph writes about, and it reminds me of why I am still here on this earth serving Him.
Fast forward to this week. There is a mother and a baby whom God has orchestrated my family to enter into a relationship with through adoption. It is simply God continuing to work salvation in the midst of the earth! So, I challenge you. Never forget that you are part of our King’s plan as He is working here, today, in the midst of this fallen and sinful world. May He use you as His instrument of peace, grace, and mercy, as He draws the souls of those who are still to be saved. Never pass up the opportunity to be used by our God on this earth! He is faithful and He is worthy. And so, I leave you with this final reminder as you reflect on where God has brought you and why He has yet to return:
"The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance." - 2 Peter 3:9
