David found himself in God’s Time table as he penned the thirteenth psalm. We know that Jesus is with us 24-7 and never leaves us or forsakes us in our time of testing and trials. Most commentators speculate that this psalm was written during the time that David was being pursued by King Saul. Many do not realize just how long this period was. Scholars estimate that David was on the run for seven to twelve years. Not seven to twelve days, weeks, or even months, but seven to twelve years! We can hardly imagine being under so much stress for such a long period of time! Therefore, we can easily understand why, in exhaustion and frustration, David asked the Lord four times, “How long…?”

From time to time in life, we find ourselves in the midst of a prolonged season of trial. “Tribulation worketh patience” (Ro. 5:3), and this work takes time. Patience means endurance, and endurance does not come quickly. It is a long, hard, and often lonely process. No doubt, at times, we all find ourselves asking God, “How long…?”

What are we to do when a trial drags on and we are consumed with knowing when something is going to happen? We are to turn to God, for He, in His immeasurable love for us, has taught us how to endure time in His period of testing and trials, suffering and pain. Jesus is always closer 24-7 than we could ever imagine