Read Psalm 13
Questions from the Scripture text: To whom is this Psalm addressed (superscript)? When/where, then, is the Psalm to be used? Whose Psalm was it? What question do Psalm 13:1–2 ask? How many times? What had his recent experience been like (Psalm 13:1)? What has he been doing, in this condition (Psalm 13:2a–b)? What has his enemy been doing (verse 2c)? What two things does he ask YHWH to do with his prayer (Psalm 13:3a)? What does he call YHWH? What does he ask YHWH to do to him himself (verse 3b)? To prevent what, with reference to himself (verse 3c)? And to prevent what, with reference to his enemies—what might they say (Psalm 13:4a–b), and how might they respond (verse 4c)? Of what disposition is this prayer an action (Psalm 13:5a)? What is he certain will occur, and how will he then respond (verse 5b)? How will he act upon this joy (Psalm 13:6a)? Unto Whom? Why (verse 6b)?
How can Christians come from despair to delight? Psalm 13 looks forward to the midweek devotional. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we can come from despair to delight by laying hold of the Lord’s laying hold of us, in prayer.
From Despair (Psalm 13:1-2). There are four things deeply troubling David here, and he begins with the most difficult for him: the idea that YHWH might not be thinking of him as He acts (Psalm 13:1a). For someone like David, the fact that the Lord is always acting in his behalf, and always turning His face upon him in grace, is an infinite source of strength and gladness. Some who profess Christianity have little thought of the Lord; it would not distress them to think that the Lord as unmindful of them. But such cannot enjoy the comfort that this Psalm has to offer. The one who is not distressed to lack the sense of God’s smile (Psalm 13:1b) will not find much help from the reality of His love in Christ.
David’s second problem is his own internal turmoil (Psalm 13:2a–b). Faith is more troubled by its own internal weakness and sin than it is about the fact that it is sinned against. The word translated “counsel” actually has the primary sense of turmoil or revolt. He is crying out to God on account of how his own soul keeps responding to the circumstance. Weak faith ought to cry out to God for more faith.
His third and fourth problems are both found in the line, “how long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Yes, there is the problem of personal humiliation. But the greater problem for the king (or for us as a royal priesthood) is that the Lord Himself is being despised in whatever is done to His anointed. To David, God’s honor in the kingdom was more important than himself. And for us also, the honor of Christ in the treatment of Christians should be more important than personal offense against ourselves. If it is, this will help us be mindful of how we treat other believers too.
Through Prayer (Psalm 13:3-4). Whatever their circumstances, believers always have the Lord. David clings to this, saying “my God” in Psalm 13:3a. He asks not for a change of circumstances but for the light to come into his eyes (verse 3b), which is the same as to request a change of heart (cf. Psalm 13:2a–b). Having the ear of heaven (Psalm 13:3a) and the compassion of God concerning our death (verse 3c) is something that we grab onto, when we pray. Even if we seem to be on the verge of death, and the enemy seem to be on the verge of victory (Psalm 13:4), what is that to someone who has the ear and heart of heaven?
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (cf. Romans 8:31). “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?” (Romans 8:35). “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37–39). This is what David clings to by praying. How many believers, by neglect of prayer, do not enjoy His reassurance that they always have His ear and love.
To Delight (Psalm 13:5-6). Circumstances have not changed in the few seconds between Psalm 13:1 and Psalm 13:5. But David’s heart has. He has trusted in God’s steadfast/covenant love (verse 5a). His heart, which was full of turmoil (Psalm 13:2a) and sorrow (verse 2b) is now rejoicing in YHWH’s salvation. So, as frequently happens for the believer, prayer turns into praise (Psalm 13:6a). YHWH has dwelt bountifully with David in past events. YHWH has dwelt bountifully with him in the present, giving him to lay hold of His ear and love by prayer. And YHWH has dwelt bountifully with him in the future, of which David is now sure, even though it hasn’t happened yet. This is true for you, dear suffering believer. And even for you, dear distressed and mistrusting believer. Come to Him in prayer; lay hold of His hearing you and loving you. And remember, on your knees, and in your songs, that He did not spare Christ, but gave Him up for you—together with all things (cf. Romans 8:32).
What distressing circumstances are you in? What distress do you find in your heart? What are your prayer habits like? How are your prayers laying hold of God’s hearing you and loving you?
Sample prayer: Lord, we often lose the sense of Your caring for us and smiling upon us. And, we often have turmoil and sorrow in our hearts. Thank You for giving prayer to us, by which we may lay hold of Your hearing us and loving us. Please meet us, in our prayers, by Your Spirit. Assure us of Your love. Remind us of Your giving Christ for us, so that we may remember that You surely give us all things together with Him. And make us to sing Your praise, for You have dealt bountifully with us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP13 “How Long Will You Forget Me, Lord” or TPH164 “God Himself Is with Us”
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