Ruins Don't Get the Final Word (Day 282)

Friday, October 9 | Psalm 79

Ruins Don't Get the Final Word

by Torrie Slaughter

Scripture Anchor:

“Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name.” — Psalm 79:9

Psalm 79 does not begin with a victory celebration.

Jerusalem has been devastated. The temple has been defiled. God's people have experienced terrible loss, and surrounding nations are mocking them.

Then comes the aching question:

“How long, O LORD?”

There are seasons when faith doesn't sound triumphant.

Sometimes faith sounds like, How long?

Sometimes it sounds like, Help us.

Sometimes it is simply the decision to keep addressing God while standing in the middle of something you wish He had prevented.

That's still faith.

The psalmist looks at devastation without pretending it isn't devastating. But he also refuses to allow devastation to become the final authority.

He prays to the “God of our salvation.”

That's significant.

The ruins haven't disappeared, yet the identity of God hasn't changed.

This is where knowing El Olam becomes more than theological vocabulary.

If God were only good when circumstances were good, ruins could disprove His goodness.

If God were only faithful when we could see His plan, confusion could undo our faith.

But He is the Everlasting God.

The scene can change without His character changing with it.

So lament.

Grieve.

Ask, How long?

But while you're standing among the ruins, remember who you're talking to.

Heart Turn

Is there something broken that you've been afraid to bring honestly before God?

Name it today. Don't polish your prayer. Don't rush toward a happy ending.

Simply bring the ruins before the God whose character remains intact.

Prayer

God of my salvation, some things I see are difficult to understand. Teach me to lament without losing sight of who You are. Meet me in the places that feel broken, delayed, or devastated. I will not make temporary ruins greater than Your everlasting character. Help me trust You here too. Amen.

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