Unbelief, the first or primary Sin, is the Enemy that arises in the form of Doubt: doubt God’s Word; doubt God’s promises; doubt that God is good; doubt that God won’t change His mind; doubt of God’s unchanging, faithful Love. The believer questions the truth of the basic belief in Exodus 34.6: “The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.”
In a season of trouble and distress the Lord does not seem to be present, or even caring enough to intervene in answer to prayer. The Psalm looks back and remembers what the Lord once did: He defeated the Enemy and gave life in the Creation Event and the Exodus Salvation. For me, I look back and remember He did the same in the Cross and Tomb Event. But will He do it now, in my present hour?
Has His faithful love failed? Can I still trust His promises? The “Yes” answer awaits; the psalmist won’t answer; the jury’s still out. The Gospel story brings us to the threshold but a step of faith is still needed to enter. Fresh faith is demanded for every present moment of crisis. Is God good? Say, “Yes!”