Psalms 35:17

Lord, how long wilt Thou look on?

How long

This was David’s cry in his distress.

I. A trying experience. David did not doubt that the Lord saw his trouble. He did not say, “My way is hid from the Lord;” but he felt as if the Lord was only looking on and not delivering him. As a soldier hard pressed by the foe might look for the expected relief; but it did not come, David wanted to hear the shout, “To the rescue,” but he could not hear it. And he feels sure that it must be all over with him in a few moments. Now--

1. This is often the experience of the saint in his struggle with sin.

2. In relation to his troubles.

3. To his prayers. How long they seem to be unanswered.

4. It is often the minister’s experience. He longs to see conversions, but does not see them.

II. the cry of anguish. Now this cry may be right or wrong: it depends on its spirit. It is wrong when it is--

1. Bitter; when the soul has become soured instead of sanctified by affliction.

2. When it is deeply despondent. But it is a right cry when it is--

3. The language of intense desire. Now--

III. comforting answers to this cry. How long, Lord? He replys--

1. “Long enough to try your faith.” He loves to strengthen the faith of His people. Hence He often tries them by delaying the answers to their prayer.

2. “Long enough to teach you your own weakness.”

3. To make you value the deliverance. That which is easily obtained is little valued. “Lord, how long wilt Thou look on?”

4. “Until the right moment.” Not a moment too soon for His own glory: not a moment too late for your good.

Our clock is always too fast; we call upon the Lord and say, “Lord, now is the time, the hour to deliver has struck;” but no answer comes, because He keeps not His time by ours; and His clock still wants some minutes to the hour; but when that has struck, swift as the lightning flash He is at our side. Trust Him, then, believe. Though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come. (A. G. Brown.)