Yet
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help? Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer. Every night I lift my voice, but I find no relief. Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.”
Psalms 22:1-3 (NLT)
King David has been known for many things throughout history. He was a warrior anointed to be king, operating under a divine calling filled with passion and worship. He was a man after God’s own heart, yet he experienced plenty of failures along the way. We have the unique perspective of seeing the fullness of his life, and among the greatest lessons he could teach us is simply this—perspective.
Yet. A simple, profound, and powerful word. It is a conjunction that changes the story—no matter what came before it.
We see in David’s life that he felt what many of us have felt at some point: abandoned, alone, far from God, and defeated. Whether he was betrayed by a friend, slandered by his enemies, or feeling distant from the God who anointed him, David remained consistent in two areas of his life:
He was honest about what he was going through.
He kept his perspective.
Even when his world was falling apart, he understood that the story wasn’t over. He understood the power of one word.
Yet.
Even if all the feelings of wrongdoing, abandonment, and isolation were true—yet God was still holy and enthroned on the praises of His people. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is still set apart from everything we know and understand. He is still worthy of praise and worship! Just because we don’t understand the moment doesn’t mean He can’t see the end. The story isn’t over.
David truly felt abandoned and isolated; yet, he also understood that his feelings weren’t facts. God had never left him, just as He will never leave us. David was never truly abandoned, nor was he left to fail. God was with him every step of the way—just as He is with you and me.
Today, you may be facing the same feelings of frustration and disappointment that David felt. My prayer is that, like David, you will have a “Yet” in your story—a moment that shifts your perspective from what was to what is!
Whatever challenges you are facing today, give them to Jesus. Be honest about what you are walking through. Recognize that He is still a holy God, worthy of praise. Practice this—even when you don’t feel like it.
Jesus, I pray for the one reading this today. You know exactly where they are and what they are facing. I recognize You as a perfect and holy God, worthy of all praise and worship. Would You insert a “yet” into my friend’s life today? Would You help them shift their perspective from what has been to what will be? Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us! You are with us always—even when we don’t feel it. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy in our lives. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen!
