Some Christians believe that they should never be discouraged, depressed, or feel the absence of God. “After all,” they say, “didn't God promise never to leave or forsake us?”

How they explain our verse for today, I don't know. They might suggest that if the psalmist had a little more faith, they wouldn't have thought God deserted them in their time of need.

Honest Christians will find times when their spiritual life is weak and their thoughts are confused.

Even the apostles got things mixed up at times and were occasionally offended by the Lord’s teaching. For example, in Matthew 16:22 Peter took the Lord aside and said, "God forbid it, Lord! This shall never happen to You”; and in John 13:2-8 when Peter said, “Never shall You wash my feet!”

It's normal to experience doubts about your beliefs. Some experience these feelings more than others. It's common to feel you're not progressing as quickly as you'd like, or that you seem to be going backwards. Spiritual confusion is the experience of every follower of the Lord.

In Isaiah 55:8-9 we read, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’”

A quick search of Scripture will give you examples of God’s people honestly asking the sad question, “Why, O Lord?” Are they asking because they're not sure if they've committed some sin they're unaware of? Perhaps it's because they can't bear the thought of another problem in their overburdened life.

There are a number of reasons why Christians might ask this of the Lord, and we shouldn't be afraid ask Him why. He's lovingly patient with those who seek the truth.

The Bible itself makes it clear that struggling is part of every believer's walk with God. Our spiritual journey was never meant to be smooth-sailing. God has a purpose in allowing us to struggle, even as He refines us. Ask Him for help. Ask Him for wisdom.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” James 1:5 ESV

Will you find an answer to the questions that plague you? If not, trust the Lord anyway, and later on He shall pour you out a blessing that you will have difficulty receiving.

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV