Enduring the Heat

One of my greatest weaknesses in tests of endurance is the nagging question "how long?" If I can see an end, I can force my emotions, my will to push a little longer. If I can't, I have sometimes stopped at the threshold of the finish line.

As I've thought about how I can direct my focus to my eternal target, I have often contemplated how martyrs do it, going to the death through some gruesome method. In reading Psalm 74 this week, I wondered if their lessons may have consisted of similar disciplines learned long before the trial.

Asaph, the Psalmist, wails over Israel's defeat by her enemies. He goes into details for the first nine verses of the destruction, calling God to turn His "steps toward these everlasting ruins."

In verse ten, Asaph asks my question: "How long...?" and "Why do you hold back your hand...?"

This is where the lesson begins. In verse twelve, Asaph remembers:
Yet God my King is from of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

Asaph reminisces God's faithfulness in the past. He recounts times when God did big and awesome things, as well His daily provisions and power that he may have taken for granted.

With this track record, Asaph pleads with God to be faithful to His covenant, to act justly, to defend the defenseless, to honor His name.

Jeremiah 31:31 says that God has made a new covenant with us, one dealing with our hearts. Hebrews 12:24 explains further that Jesus is the mediator of this covenant, which is sealed by His blood.

For those who have accepted God's covenant with us, when you are going through times where your heart is aching, your health is failing, and the future looks grim, keep recalling God's faithfulness; remember the big things He has done, but don't forget the spring flowers, the beautiful sunset, the laughter of children, the feel of the breeze. He has been faithful to you. You can trust Him with the "how long?"

For those who are winging it through life, blindly feeling about for the path, He says, "'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:2)

To have hope, you must start with the Hope-Giver. There is no true and lasting hope outside of Jesus. Accept, remember, and don't let anyone forget.