Part 8: How Long?

PSALMS - PART 8

PSALM 13

HOW DO WE GET FROM DESPAIR TO TRUST?

1.   PAIN IN LIFE IS VERY REAL.

“O Lord, how long will You forget me? Forever? How long will You look the other way?”

Psalm 13:1 (NLT)

“How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?”

Psalm 13:2 (NLT)

2.   PAIN IN LIFE WILL ALWAYS DRIVE US TO SOMETHING.

“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.’”

Psalm 13:3-4 (NLT)

• Keep a regular habit of prayer.

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.”   Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)

• Be honest about where you are.

“So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7 (NLT)

3.  HOW DO WE GET FROM DESPAIR IN OUR PAIN TO TRUST IN OUR PAIN?

“But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.”

Psalm 13:5-6 (NLT)

• God’s love is never-changing.

• God’s goodness knows no limits.

MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS: 

• Make sure my questions, frustrations, and pain drive me to the Lord.   

• Trust in God’s unfailing love and place my hope there.   

• Send me more information about being baptized on December 13th.

• Reading Plan: YouVersion® Bible App - “Waiting On the Lord”  (5-day plan).