Psalm 13

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13 How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

Three questions in this verse.  When we are anxious about negative life situations, we use words to express how we feel.  David has grown tired.  David's second remark or question is forever?  Right here we know David is frustrated.  David was king and he had troubles.  I do not know what problems, in particular, he is facing while writing this song, but I can imagine it was difficult.  The answer as we know God is, He has not left David at all.  For the mere fact, David is alive.  David asks the third question in verse one and the answer is; God did not hide his face from David.  I have felt like David, sounded like David, and that did not move God to act on my ache at that moment at all.  On occasions when I felt like that, God did comfort me.  But there are times I don't feel comforted.  In those moments and I mean moments, I found that I have to keep it moving knowing He heard me and will answer in due time.

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

Lord, I am tired of being wronged.  It does take its toll on you.  We want God to move when we call upon Him.

3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

David went through a lot.  I understand David.  God understands David, but God also understands Himself.  I am learning to believe that God begins to work on our behalf the moment we call.  It may take thousands of people to work together to respond to your request.  For example, I wanted speed bumpers on the street I live on.  I did not tell anyone but God.  The day I spoke, God put my request in.  I forgot about my prayer.  Approximately 9 months later, I saw men putting down what I desired.  It could have been the men had to come down from another state and settle in or the equipment needed had to be made and so on.  So the next time I pray about the length of time it is taking to get the results of my prayer, my hope is Lord help me remember this example.

4 Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

David says if you don't move quickly my enemies are going to think they are right.  (I am learning not to use these words). David's prayer is a prayer for me to learn from.  Because I have the covenant of God printed and I have David's prayer, I have a choice. I can pray as David who had the hope of the covenant or I can pray knowing I have the promise.  

5 But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

David makes me chuckle.  By the time I feel like David, David responds like this; Oh well!  I trust God!!!!

6 I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. 

 David does not tell us the details of what God said, but we can tell it was good.  David stop complaining and began to do what God wants in all of us; sing.

After reading Psalm 13, I know that I have felt this way before.  I wanted to know where God was.  It is as if God told me something as clear as day and believe me it was good, and I looked around every day waiting for the fulfillment of what I was told and still no manifestation of the promise.  

I am learning how to pray by watching and listening to David's prayers.  When David doubts, I learned not to doubt.  This chapter teaches me how to respond.  I must learn from David and be careful not to sound as he did in the first few verses.  

Feeling that God is not to be found are real feelings.

Feelings and what God promised have nothing to do with His Word.

He said what He meant and it was not because he was in a good mood.  He said what He said because His Word is always true.

Too many times we based our feeling on what we buy, who we marry, business transactions and so many other life transactions.  If our feelings do not agree with God's Word we will be disappointed.  Jesus did not feel like being crucified, but He went through it.  A bodybuilder may not feel like eating right, but he or she does.  You may or may not feel like studying God's Word but we must.  David cried out to God and expressed his emotions and before the end of the prayer, he praised.

The power of music and praise does wonders!  We may not feel like listening to music or singing but we are only prolonging the results we want.  I leave understanding this Psalm, with God's Word is God's Word, with or without emotions.  I learn what not to do and I pray that I remember this Psalm when I feel doubtful.

I may not feel like being nice, but I am commanded to demonstrate God's behavior at all times.

Lord help me to represent you all the time.

Song

There are times I feel

All alone

And it seems like God's not there

That's the time to trust His Word

I am alive and I know He cares

When these times

 come my way

Remember His Word 

and watch what you say

He promised He won't ever leave me

and His promises are always good.