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How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? (v. 1, NASB1995)
Have you ever felt forgotten by God? That’s He’s not listening to your prayers? That God is actually hiding from you.
David felt the same, but he responds differently than most of us would . . .
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me (v. 6).
God’s timing is God’s will.
It is God’s will to heal, to deliver, to bring justice, and to provide. But in His timing! History is different from God, and to Him, all time is “now” – that’s what His name “I AM” implies.
Since God is “I AM” or “Now” – from His perspective, He always answers immediately.
However, from our stuck-in-this-present-time point of view, it can seem forever. God can answer our prayers either within our “time” or in His “eternity.” Each type of answer requires patience.
Have you ever been confused? You can’t figure things out? And no solution presents itself? Meanwhile, your enemies laugh. David describes that he experienced the same.
This is Stage One Discouragement . . .
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? (v. 2)
I found it a lonely place when I was a senior pastor, not having the answers when others were looking to me for a solution. David was king and anointed by God. Imagine how David felt when he didn’t know what to do for Israel and how quickly his enemies pointed out his weakness.
But David’s confidence was always . . .
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me (v. 6).
Psalm 13 also describes what I call Stage Two Discouragement . . .
Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall (vv. 3-4).
Have you lost your zeal? Have your enemies moved from pointing out your faults to actually gloating and gossiping about you? Do you feel that you can’t go on?
David was now desperate, right on the brink of defeat. He had no joy, and his enemies were already plotting his demise. What did David do?
I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me (v. 6).
Stage Three Discouragement?
Psalm 13 describes only Stage One and Two Discouragements and not Stage Three.
Stage Three Discouragement would be giving up. You get so despairing that in a moment of discouragement, you quit – your faith, a relationship, or a task.
David didn’t find himself with Stage Three Discouragement because he had learned this lesson . . .
But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me (v. 5).
If you trust God, you can grow through Stage One and Stage Two Discouragements to praise Him in all things.
I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me (v. 6).
No Stage Three Discouragement for you. You have found victory in Jesus!