After reading Psalm 13, I wanted to send you a few words of encouragement that I gleaned from this blessed chapter.
King David penned, “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily?” (Psalm 13:1-2, NKJV). It sounds as if David felt that God had altogether left him to suffer, to wake up each day with a black cloud hanging over him. For a season, David spoke out of despair, “God, will this feeling of isolation go on forever? When will my prayers be answered?”
When troubles assail us, we sink under the pressure. Right now, someone reading these words is sinking under the awful pressure of a situation that seems to be unsolvable. They are on the verge of total despair, hoping for even the briefest break from their trial. They have formed one plan after another, trying to devise ways out of their trouble, but all those arrangements have failed. Now they have nothing else to think of, no workable solution. They are at the end of it all.
How upsetting it is to see a ray of hope, a bit of sunshine but then have despair once again set in. Keep in mind, David experienced the same struggles, and he was a man after God’s heart. David testified of having great trust in the Lord, yet he went through hard times too, as he describes in this psalm.
How did David arise from this pit of despair? “But I have trusted in your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:5-6).
Let me share with you reasons to keep trusting God through your present trials. What kind of Father would feed all the creatures of the earth and yet neglect his children? Jesus exhorted us to “give no thought” to everyday needs and problems, “for he cares for you” (see Matthew 6:25-34). Truly, the Lord loves you, and he will not turn a deaf ear to your cries. Hold on to his promises. Wait on him patiently. He will never fail you.