How Long?

“For innumerable evils have surrounded me; my iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head. Therefore my heart fails me! Be pleased O Lord, to deliver me; O Lord, make haste to help me!” (Ps. 40:12,13)

“Why do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide in times of trouble?” (Ps. 10:1)

"God, why are you avoiding me? Where are you when I need You?" (Ps. 10:1; Message)

“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?” (Ps. 13:1)

"Long enough, God - You've ignored me long enough. I've looked at the back of your head long enough. Long enough I've carried this ton of trouble, lived with a stomach full of pain." (Ps. 13:1; Message)

"Be kind to me, God; I've been kicked around long enough." (Ps. 9:13)

I am adapting these prayers in a lot of ways. Not out of complete dismay, but out of a realization that it is ok to pray these prayers. It is ok to ask God where He is and how long He is going to stay there. It is ok to be a Christian who doesn't really know all of the answers. It is all ok.