No End In Sight

Psalm 74:9 We are given no miraculous signs; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be.

No Miracle. No word from God. And no end in sight.

The prophet Asaph pours out his heart to God amidst the seemingly relentless destruction of Jerusalem and its inhabitants by an enemy – an enemy of God. He watches in horror as God’s temple is destroyed and asks

Psalms 74:10 How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name for ever?

He knows God is able… 13 It was you who split open the sea by your power; you broke the heads of the monster in the waters. 14 It was you who crushed the heads of Leviathan and gave him as food to the creatures of the desert. 15 It was you who opened up springs and streams; you dried up the ever-flowing rivers. 16 The day is yours, and yours also the night; you established the sun and moon. 17 It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.

But God does nothing and this can be exasperating…

Psalms 74:11 Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!

And so he prays… Psalms 74:19 Do not hand over the life of your dove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives of your afflicted people for ever.

When God’s people are called to live like this, in daily dependence upon the lord under the threat of a yet-to-be-dealt-with enemy of God, specifically death…

1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death.

..it is at least comforting to know, that you are not the first one, nor are you alone. The reality is that many live without the joy and excitement of long-term planning.
But waiting can be productive and in fact it is…

2 Corinthians 4:17 NASV For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison,

God knows when they will end and what they are for.