What can we learn about God's timing from Psalm 88:14? A Stark Cry in the Night Psalm 88 is the darkest of the laments—yet it is inspired Scripture. Its inclusion shows that the Lord takes every anguished word seriously and records it for our instruction (Romans 15:4). Verse 14 captures the psalmist’s raw plea when God’s answer seems overdue. What the Verse Says “Why, O LORD, do You reject me? Why do You hide Your face from me?” (Psalm 88:14) Lessons About God’s Timing • God allows honest questions without rebuke. A believer may feel forsaken, yet still be walking in faith (Job 23:8-10; Psalm 62:8). • Delay is not denial. The covenant name “LORD” (Yahweh) reminds us that the God who seems silent is the God who keeps promises (Exodus 3:14-15). • Hiddenness tests trust. When God “hides His face,” He trains us to live by what He has said, not by what we see (Isaiah 50:10; 2 Corinthians 5:7). • Timing belongs to God alone. Our clock measures minutes; His plan spans generations (Galatians 4:4; 2 Peter 3:8-9). • Suffering has a season. The psalmist feels rejected “today,” but God already holds the appointed day of deliverance (Psalm 31:14-15). • Lament is an act of faith. Pouring out grief keeps the heart tethered to God instead of drifting to despair (Psalm 142:1-3). • Final darkness was borne by Christ. He cried, “My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46). Because He entered ultimate abandonment, every believer’s darkness now has an expiration date (Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 13:5). Living These Truths Today ▪ Anchor your expectations in Scripture, not circumstance. Review God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). ▪ Keep praying—even when prayer feels empty. Heaven records every word (Revelation 5:8). ▪ Wait actively: obey what you already know, serve others, and gather with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). ▪ Speak truth to your soul: “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him” (Lamentations 3:25-26). ▪ Remember that unseen growth often happens during God’s silent intervals (James 1:2-4). Encouragement for the Waiting Heart God’s timing may feel late, but it is always perfect. If you are living Psalm 88:14 today, know that the Author of time is neither indifferent nor unaware. The face that seems hidden will shine again, and when it does, you will discover that every moment of waiting was held securely in His sovereign hands. |
    |