How Long, O Lord?

Unlocked: Daily Devotions for Teens

READ: PSALM 13; REVELATION 6:9-11; 21:1-7

Working in a fast-paced environment can be stressful, especially when you’re new. I used to work at a very busy coffeeshop, and I was so nervous and stressed for my first several weeks. Then, suddenly, I wasn’t the new person anymore—I was helping the new people.

I remember one new barista who handled the pressure very well. She caught on quick, but she was still stressed. A few days into her training, in between steaming milk and pulling shots of espresso, she asked me under her breath, “How long does it feel like you’re dying?”

I considered her question for a moment, then answered, “About a month.”

She nodded decisively. “I can do that.”

Years later, that interaction has stuck with me. Many times in life, I have gone through a painful, difficult season, and I’ve just wanted to turn to someone who’s done it before and ask, “How long does it feel like you’re dying?” Because the truth is, there’s usually an endpoint to whatever difficulty I’m currently facing, either because the situation gets resolved or because I grow and adapt. And if I just knew when that endpoint would be, I could say, “I can do that.”

We see this same sentiment in the book of Psalms. Over and over, the psalmists ask God, “How long, O Lord?” When we’re suffering—whether we’re just adapting to a steep learning curve or enduring a painful season of loss—all we want to know is when the pain will go away.

But there is hope embedded in that question. Asking, “How long, O Lord?” means we believe that the endpoint will come. The suffering is temporary. And, as Christians, we know this is true! We know that, someday, Jesus will return to rid the world of all suffering, sin, and evil. Praise God for that glorious hope!

And, if we know Jesus, we also have hope for right now. We know that He is with us in our suffering, and He will walk with us through whatever trial we face. We can turn to Him and ask, “How long will it feel this way?” We may not get an answer immediately, but it helps to know that Jesus actually feels our pain with us. And He will carry us through to the endpoint of the trial in front of us. Remember, all the trials, pain, and suffering are temporary (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). But the Lord’s love and comfort are eternal. • Taylor Eising

• Can you think of any trials or suffering Jesus has brought you through? What was that like?

• Are you enduring a hard time right now? In addition to talking to Jesus about it in prayer, is there anyone you can talk to who has gone through a similar time in their life?

• Do you know anyone who is going through something you’ve gone through before? What are some ways you could come alongside that person to listen well, offer comfort and gentle encouragement, and pray for them?

• If you’re going through something really hard, and especially if you’re experiencing mental health concerns like anxiety or depression, talk to a trusted adult today. If you’re not sure who to talk to, you can request a free conversation with Focus on the Family’s Counseling Department by calling 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Please be prepared to leave your contact information for a counselor to return a call to you as soon as possible. In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate.

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 (NLT)