From the Cross to the Resurrection
How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13
The words of Psalm 13 describe someone feeling abandoned by God, weighed down by sorrow, and stuck in an endless period of waiting for life to improve. If we only had the beginning of the Psalm, we might be left feeling hopeless. However, that’s not the ending. The Psalm transitions from darkness to the light of God’s grace, ending in trust and praise. So, how does that shift happen in our own lives?
I believe one of the most important things we can do in times of spiritual darkness is to remember—remember who God is and what He has done for us in the past. There’s a saying: “History does not repeat itself, but it rhymes.” I believe this is true in our relationship with God. As we reflect on what God has done for us, we realize He has brought us out of dark places before, and He will do it again. As the hymn Amazing Grace says, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.”
One practice that helps me in this is journaling. Journaling allows me to reflect on what God has done and gives me the courage to face the present and future with faith. As I look back through my journal, I can clearly see how God worked in dark times and how He brought me to a better place. This reflection renews my confidence and faith, giving me courage for the future.
When we take time to reflect on who God is and what He has done in our lives, we can be like the Psalmist—trusting in His unfailing love, rejoicing in His salvation, and singing His praise. We can remember that He has been good to us. This journey, from feeling abandoned to praising God for His salvation, is the story of all of us because it mirrors the story of Jesus—from the cross to the resurrection.
No matter what we face in the present, let us remember that we can trust in His unfailing love.
For Reflection
What is an example of God’s unfailing love in your life?
How do you remember what God has done for you in the past?
What is something you can praise God for this week?
Prayer
Lord, you have indeed brought us through many difficulties in our lives. Time and time again you have saved us through your grace. Lord, help us remember your goodness and so give us courage for the present. Remind us that no matter our circumstances that you are good and that your love is unfailing. Amen.
P.S. This picture shows Rebecca leading a devotion near The Garden Tomb which is possibly the location for the burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus located just outside the city walls of Jerusalem.