When Are We Going to Get There? A Journey of Faith

Psalm 13:1 

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?~

Author's note: The following meditations are drawn from the heart of David's prayers in the Psalms. They have been gently paraphrased to help you reflect more deeply on God's Word and His unchanging character.

When are we going to get there, Lord? How long before this road trip is over? I need to relieve myself of this misery and depression. The crush of oncoming traffic is crossing over into my lane. I have to swerve out of their way to avoid a crash! Did I already ask You when we’re going to get there?

Lord, why does this journey seem endless? I’m tired, Father, and my heart hurts. My exhausted body recoils from sleep when I lie down for the night. I can’t look forward to the dawn with any more hope than I could yesterday. I close my eyes and see my enemies triumph at everything they touch. My journey of faith seems to hit every pothole and speed trap on this highway! So... when are we going to get there?

I’m over here, Lord! A little help, please? I could use a stretch of smooth road, just for the sake of variety. These highway conditions are loosening my fillings and rattling my bones. I’m running on fumes, and they’re getting ready to tow me to the impound.

Don’t let them win the race at my expense, Abba. My brain is tired of listening to the bragging about past victories. Why am I the only one who gets a “blowout?” Why am I always the crash victim of their reckless driving?

But wait! I forgot... again! You told me in Your Book that “Your love never fails.” Why is that one directional signal so elusive to me? Why do I always forget to remember it? Maybe it’s because I was distracted by the twelve lanes of traffic heading south and took my eyes off the high way north, toward the one road home. Wait! Now I remember! Fortunately for me, my "God Positioning System," the ultimate GPS, never fails!

Come on, people! It’s time to celebrate. Father, You are so, so good to me. I sing songs straight from my road-weary soul to recognize Your goodness, Lord. I am grateful for the excellent roadmap you have planned for my life. Looking in the rearview mirror, I now see the potholes and speed traps You have guided me over, around, and through. You placed them there out of Your love for me. Your Son, Jesus, sponsored me in this event and put me in the pole position. I’m at the best time, in the best place, and in the sweetest vehicle for the race.

“When are we going to get there?” is no longer a relevant question, Lord. When I've completed all the pit stops and crossed the finish line, you’ll already be there waving the checkered flag for me. It will be time for me to finally get out and stretch my legs in Paradise and walk to the “Winner’s Circle.”