June 25th Weekly Word

Growing Something Good

"How long, O Lord?"

(Psalm 13:1a)

Did you know that by planting the severed top of a pineapple, you can grow another one? It's true. Awhile back we did just that, and guess what? It worked! Here's the thing though: it took three years. That's right, three long years to grow that tiny pineapple in the photo above. But you know, it was delicious – the best pineapple I've ever had. Ginger even liked it, and she's not generally a pineapple fan.

The lesson? It takes time for goodness to grow. And that's true in other areas of life too, including growing in our walk with the Lord.

In our upcoming Psalm, David cries out to the Lord, asking the question that's likely on our lips quite often as well. "How long, O Lord?" He goes on to ask, "Will you forget me forever?"

Sometimes it feels like God has forgotten us, doesn't it? But take heart – he hasn't. It's just that his timeline is not the same as ours. And as I've mentioned before, God is never in a hurry. Now that can feel good when we realize that he's not moving past us to take care of "more important matters." However, when we see our situation as desperate or urgent, God's delay or perceived silence can seem like neglect.

But in the midst of a crisis, hardship, or struggle, we must remember that God is often interested in addressing more than the immediate need. Rather he's also looking to cultivate in us hearts that trust him in trials.

The seasons we wait on the Lord in dependence then can become the times of greatest growth. God only knows how long those seasons will last. But however long, rest assured that he is growing something good in us.

Friends, it's okay to ask God how long. But with that question, let us also say with David in verse five: “But I put my trust in your mercy.”

Darin+