Presented, January 23, 2005 pm
HOW LONG, O LORD
Psalm 13
Tonight we continue our study of the psalms. When this psalm, written by David, was penned we do not know. It is so generic it could apply to numerous times in his life. Its message, like so many of David’s psalms, is a cry to God for help in his life. It is divided into three parts and describes the progression of our plight – the problem, prayer and faith. Notice also how one goes from agitation to peace.
I. How Long (1-2)
A. “How long” mentioned 4 times in these verse.
a. This tells us that he has been in this condition for some time.
b. For some reason he has not felt the presence of God in his life (probably indicates it has happened in times past). He has been grieving and it seems as if his enemies are winning. He’s apprehensive without God.
c. How often do we find ourselves discouraged and in desperate straits and it seems like no one cares? Perhaps we have been praying to God and he hasn’t answered (or so it seems).
d. Many lessons to glean from this.
B. In times of desperation – don’t blame God.
a. There are times recorded in the Bible when God withdrew His presence:
i. Israel going against Ai – Joshua 7
ii. Destroying the city of Gibeah - Judges 20. Twice Israel went against the city and were defeated, though they were told to go by the Lord. The lesson was being taught.
iii. Micah 3:4, “Then they will cry to the LORD, But He will not hear them; He will even hide His face from them at that time, Because they have been evil in their deeds.”
iv. NOTE in each of these, God withdrew His presence because they were unrighteous.
v. ONLY the righteous have the right to call upon the Lord! John 9:31 – “God does not hear sinners”
b. God doesn’t view time as we do – 2 Peter 3:8 – The Lord views 1000 years as a day, etc.
c. Sometimes, “he bears long with us” – Luke 18:7, Mark 6:48 – the Lord waited until the 4th watch to come to his struggling disciples on the Sea.
C.
The need for patience – we have to learn to wait on
God and trust Him to do that which is best. Just because things are not going
as you want them to right now, doesn’t mean God is not there or that He is not
concerned.
Hebrews 10:35-37 – Do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
For you have need of endurance.
James 5:7-8 – Be patient until the coming of the Lord, just as the farmer waits
for his precious fruit.
II. Consider and Hear Me (3-4)
A. When we have problems turn them over to God – 1 Peter 5:7; Matthew 11:28
B. “Consider me” – he wants God’s attention. In this I think of two things.
a.
1) What are we doing to get God’s attention? Are we
willing to obey Him?
Matthew 17:5 – God was well pleased in His Son.
What caused Moses to find grace in the eyes of the Lord?
What made Abraham a “friend of God”
What prompted God to take Enoch home so that he did not see death?
They were all loyal to God
b. 2) How many today try to hide from God? They don’t want God to know what they are doing. They live for themselves.
C. Enlighten my eyes – ask for understanding.
a. Sometimes we need answers. AT least we want answers. Where do we turn to find them? Far too many in the world turn to sources other than God. They are in darkness and remain there because they refuse to turn to the light – John 3:19-21
b.
Ask. Maybe you will get them or maybe not.
Matthew 7:7, 1 John 5:14-15 – one of the blessings we enjoy as Christians
But when you ask, you also need to seek – Romans 2:7 speaks of those who seek
for glory, honor and immortality. How do we seek? Through God’s word.
D. His concern are both for himself and God –
a. First, he does not want to see death – at least that way. While as Christians we should not be afraid of death (and if we are what we ought to be, we will not), it is not wrong to desire to live on a little longer. Even Paul saw good is his remaining here on earth.
b. Also, he does not want his enemies to proclaim victory. Knowing David, this was much more than just his own desire, but the victory his enemies would proclaim against God. In all that David did, he wanted God to prevail (his indiscretions not included).
c.
Is that our attitude? Philippians 1:20 – Paul
said, whether he lived or died, that Christ would be magnified in him.
Matthew 6:10 – in the model prayer He taught, Jesus said pray, “you will be
done.”
Even as Jesus was about to do – His desire was to please His Father – Matthew
26:39; John 6:38.
In ALL that we do let be for God’s glory, whether we live or die.
III. I Trust Your Mercy (5-6)
A. Classic David – in his next breath he shows his trust in God. That is what faith is – TRUST. Do we have the faith of David when we go to God in prayer? Do we doubt? James 1:6
B. He recalls God’s former blessings – He knows God has been there for him before. The righteous have precious memories they can hold on to. Even in adversity, they find their comfort in what God has done for them. Paul was one who realized the blessing of his past. 2 Timothy 4:17-18; 3:10-11
C.
David knows God’s mercy (think of His grace), He is
confident of God’s salvation.
In this I believe David has reference to his physical deliverance from whatever
his trial might be.
Are we confident of His salvation in our lives? Do we believe He can save us
and that He will show mercy to us?
D. He will bring praise to his God. Do we give God the glory for our lives?
a. This was one of David’s strengths in his life – he continually praised God. We have first, these psalms, but we also have his desire to build a place to worship God, his preservation of the priesthood, etc. This TRULY showed his gratitude for all that God had done for Him.
b. How can WE show our gratitude to God? While there are a number of ways, one way is to worship Him. Hebrews 13:15. WE assemble as often as possible (Hebrews 10:25), we give and in our worship we follow Him from the heart – John 4:24.
Thus we can see this psalm. It begins in despair and ends in jubilation. Can you turn to God with your troubles? Have you obeyed Him so that He will listen to you? If you are not a Christian, why not obey the gospel today?