One’s spirit sustains him through illness, but who can bear a crushed spirit? Proverbs 18:14, TLV

A Crushed Spirit.    We would probably better know this as a crisis of faith. Most likely we’ve all had varying degrees of this over our journey. I know I have. More times than I’d like to admit.

Usually, the trigger is an expectation that went unfulfilled. My emotions bounced around like a pinball but ultimately, I’d land in a puddle of disappointment—with my Heavenly Father. Oh. You might ask, “Is that kosher? Can we be disappointed with God?”

If you ever wonder about the appropriateness of little peons like us questioning the Creator of the Universe, read the book of Psalms.

How long, ADONAI [LORD]? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long must I have cares in my soul
and daily sorrow in my heart?
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
Look at me and answer, ADONAI my God.
Light up my eyes, or I will sleep in death.
Or else my enemy will say: “I have overcome him!”
and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. Psalm 13:2-5, TLV

That’s pretty raw, don’t you think? Not only did David write this, but he had his music director put it to music.

Restored Spirit

How was my spirit restored? The same way as King David’s. By remembering. I remembered what He had done for me in the past. His loving-kindness. The miracles in my life. And, that big reminder that He is God and I am not. He just might know a thing or two that I don’t.

But I trust in Your lovingkindness,
my heart rejoices in Your salvation.
I will sing to ADONAI,
because He has been good to me. Psalm 13:6, TLV

Sometimes Abba and I worked it out together in private. Other times, I needed my brothers and sisters in faith.

Don’t Be Afraid . . .

What I have learned is to not be afraid to question. To wonder, “How long?” The journey of painful waiting can enrich our faith. Prune and refine us.

It’s no picnic, but if we take our crushed spirits to Him, He’ll walk us through what He wants us to know. And, if necessary, show us how to be satisfied with unanswered questions. Or perhaps a bit of both. He’s with us because that is who He is.

Think More About It

One of my favorite Marty Goetz songs during one particularly difficult season was How Long, O Lord, from my favorite CD, The Love of God. This song is based on Psalm 13, and I played it a lot—especially during those most difficult times. I hope it blesses you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YxhAxZl9r0

Until tomorrow, may we remember the goodness of our Father, my friends.

As you pray for Israel, search Psalms for inspiration. God bless you and Shabbat Shalom!