HAS GOD REALLY TURNED AWAY FROM YOU?
In weakness and affliction, David cried out to the Lord. He felt distant from the Lord, so he prayed that the Lord would “turn” towards him, as if the Lord had somehow moved away. He cried out for rescue, asking the Lord to save him because of His “faithful love.” This “faithful love” is from the Hebrew, “chesed,” which can be translated “lovingkindness,” or “loving-mercy.” For David knew that he was a sinner that needed mercy, not justice. He therefore prayed that God would base His response on His own character of “faithful love” and not on David’s character.
We often feel the that God has turned away from us, when in actuality, we have turned away from Him. Let us recognize our need to humble ourselves before the Lord, repenting of our sin and drawing near to the Lord. As the apostle James wrote, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Be miserable and mourn and weep. Your laughter must change to mourning and your joy to sorrow. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:8-10).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we draw near to You this day. Forgive us of our sins. Purify our hearts. Draw near to us that we might be encouraged and strengthened. Give us this day all that we need to serve You. According to Your faithful love and in the name of Your Son, Jesus, we pray, amen.