L4L 45 – Psalm 13 – When God Seems Distant: Dealing with Life’s Afflictions

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Does God seem distant to you? Do you ever wonder if God has turned His back on you? In Psalm 9 through 12, David describes a steady pattern of trials and troubles because of various enemies. In Psalm 13, David attributes his suffering to a singular enemy. The enemy that David is referencing may be Saul.

“Saul once expressed love and concern for David yet is now jealous over David’s success and wants to kill him. The relationship dynamic of jealousy, anger, and rejection have left David in a state of sorrow that could be described as depression” (Chica, Carl, 2020).

How Long?

Psalm 13 is an individual lament. David is struggling. Notice that he repeated the question “how long” four times in verses 1 through 2.

David feels forgotten and forsaken by the Lord. From his perspective, the Lord is not speaking to him.

David’s sorrow, along with the gloating of his enemies, is ongoing.

David trusted God despite his feelings. He cried out to God in pain. He called out to God in prayer. He concluded with praise.

Where do you place your confidence? Where do you turn in your pain?

Message Outline: When God Seems Distant: Dealing with Life’s Afflictions

James Long, Jr. – Psalm 13

David cries out to God in his pain 

  • Has God forgotten you?
  • Has God forsaken you?
  • How long?

·      David’s Three Looks

  • David looks upward
  • David looks inward
  • David looks outward

·      Two paths: Grudge or Grace

David called out to God in prayer 

·      David’s Three Requests

  • Consider and answer me
  • Light up my eyes
  • Lest my enemies prevail over me

David concludes with praise 

  • His joy was going to be a fight
  • But God
  • “Life is not determined by what you want; life is determined by the choices you make.” 

David’s Three Decisions

  • I am going to trust you
  • I am going to rejoice
  • I am going to sing

Where do you place your confidence?

  • Where do you turn in your pain?
  • God rejected Jesus so that He will never reject you
  • Who Am I?

Bringing It Home: Lifetime Lessons 

  • Character is not built overnight; it is built over time
  • You need to turn forcefully to God in your despair
  • God’s honor, not your happiness, should be your final conclusion.

______________________________________________________________________________ 

About James and Lessons for Life 

Are you longing to find answers to the deeper issues of life? Join Dr. James Long, Jr., a pastor, counselor, and university professor with over 25 years of experience. Hear James as he tackles some of life’s biggest questions and helps us find God’s solutions to life’s struggles. Learn the power of living by God’s grace and for His glory. Experience the joy of forgiveness and freedom found in Jesus Christ alone. If you are on a search for freedom, you will love being part of this conversation.

Subscribe, and enjoy the show! 

Find me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Follow me on Twitter. Get my blog posts by email.
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