I found myself reviewing some sermon notes from last year and the study in Psalm 13. It seems to be a good passage to look at when discouraged. At least I need this encouragement.
Despair – vs. 1-2 1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
David is very emotional here. There is a seeming absence of God’s presence in his life. It seems to him God has left him alone. It seems as if his troubles are bigger than God. And it is not minor irritation that is bothering him.
Sometimes it seems as if we try to be faithful to God much longer than His mercy and grace are given to us. His enemy, whatever or whoever it is seems to be winning at this point.
So do we continue to lean on the Lord when it seems He is not listening?
Duty – vs. 3-4 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.
What do you do when it seems God is not listening? Where do you go?The despair of vs. 1-2 just will not let go of God. See John 6:68.
He is asking God for the strength and energy to continue to face his troubles. His three reasons (lest) reveal that prayer is a thinking exercise. So emotions and reason are to be combined in a true knowledge of God.
This is Romans 8:26-27 in action: Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Delight – vs. 5-6 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.
His confidence and hope rest on God’s “steadfast love.” This is the very rich OT word “chesed.” It is a miracle—Exodus 34:6 context. It is God’s loyal love, dependable kindness, committed affection. God’s love refuses to let go – Psalm 94:18; 23:6.
Jesus understands Psalm 13 – Hebrews 5:7.
David remembers that God always treats him better than he deserves. Always!
SO…
- Where does God seem to be silent? Have you quit praying about it?
- Consider the hymn “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.”
- Are you convinced God will never let you go? Consider Romans 8:31-39.
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