How Long O Lord?
Does God Ordain Our Suffering? Watch online.
Your financial support makes resources like this available! Give now!
Have you ever cried out, “How long, O Lord?” In seasons of suffering, it can feel as though God is distant or silent. Psalm 13 gives voice to that struggle while pointing us back to truth.
In this devotional, we explore why God may allow suffering and how Scripture prepares us to endure it.
------------------------
How long, O LORD?
Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long must I wrestle in my soul,
with sorrow in my heart each day?
—Psalm 13:1–2
David gives voice to what many of us feel in seasons of suffering—How long, Lord? Where are You? Do You see me?
When hardship lingers—through sickness, loss, betrayal, or daily burdens—we may wonder: Does God really love me? Does He care about what I’m going through? Why doesn’t He intervene?
Scripture does not ignore these questions. In fact, it prepares us for them. We live in a fallen, sin-filled world. Jesus Himself told us to expect trouble (John 16:33). James reminds us that trials will come, for it leads to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4) and Peter urges believers not to be surprised by suffering, but to rejoice in it—because through it, we share in the sufferings of Christ and our faith is proven genuine. (1 Peter 1:7, 4:13)
These truths are not easy, but they are deeply meaningful as to why God allows, and may even ordain suffering.
Consider the prayer in Psalm 19: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (v.14)
The word pleasing can also be translated acceptable, carrying the idea of a sacrifice offered to God. In the Old Testament, sacrifices had to be without blemish to be accepted. This connects beautifully and echoes Paul’s words in Romans 12:1, where we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Our suffering, though painful, becomes part of that offering. If we never experienced deep sorrow, we would not be able—even in the smallest measure—to grasp what Christ has done for us.
We must never forget this: Jesus did not ignore suffering—He entered into it. He suffered on our behalf and gave His life so that we might have eternal life. Our suffering aligns us with Jesus and teaches us to persevere in faith.
So even when the path feels broken, we are not walking alone. God has promised, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” And though Jesus warned us that trouble would come, He also gave us this promise: He has overcome the world. Take comfort in this truth and lean into the Savior.
God may not remove every hardship, but He will use it—to shape you, to strengthen you, and to make you more like Christ. And consider this—your story of suffering may be the very thing that helps someone else continue in faith.
So if you’re asking today, “How long, Lord?” Hold on. He hasn’t forgotten you!
Friend, let me know how can I pray for you today.
God bless
you,
Sarah <><
Copyright 2026 S.A. Keith
You can make a
difference!
Your donation
to the site helps us distribute our
children's ministry resources to churches across the world.
Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More
Return to the Adult and Teen Devotionals page.
