Why Standest Thou Afar Off
“Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble?” (Psalms 10:1)
Emotional and physical pain can result in spiritual doubt. We can become blinded by the constant fearful or agonizing moments of the cross that we bear. For the newborn babe in Christ unbelief can be a torment not understanding the purposes of God as HE the refiner of our soul is working to conform our lives to the image of Christ. For the young man developing the strength of his faith, his metal must be tested. That which HE knows must be proved and the warfare of the faith must continue. The spiritual father will discover the treasures of the darkness. He will gain the ability to see HIM who is invisible and then to rest and rejoice in HIS promises.
The babe in Christ, the young man of the faith, the spiritual father all will face similar faith challenges to advance their individual development of the faith in their lives. Faith must be the victory in each situation else we fall prey to unbelief and our soul suffers. The presence of God cannot leave us for God is Omnipresence. HE is always near and always available to address our present need. But the need may be the very thing that God is using to develop our faith.
“And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
The apostle Paul would be the instrument in the hand of God to write much of the New Testament, he established churches, developed disciples, was persecuted, beaten and imprisoned for his faith. He would need an abundance of grace, faith, and power. His need for comfort was less than his need for power. The emotional and physical pain of being in fastings often, stripes upon his back, journeys through foreign lands with little support, Paul would learn to depend solely upon God. Listen to Paul’s heart as he writes to his son in the ministry, Timothy.
“Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:” (2 Timothy 4:9-14)
One of his Developing Disciples turned away having loved this present world. He needed Mark to come and help him in the ministry. Others went in Paul’s place to accomplish needed tasks only Luke was with him. He needed Timothy to come and to bring to him the parchments. These were probably Old Testament writings, maybe some of his own writings, but in his time of anguish of soul he needed fellowship and the word. If it seems, God is far away in your time of need, seek out the fellowship of the brethren and seek out the message of God in the volume of HIS book. This is our faith.
