SHAKEN

"...don't base God's love or desire to help you on your opinion of yourself. Base it on whom God says He is" (Susan May Warren).

Psalm 13 is a psalm of David. Many scholars believe it was written when David was being chased by Saul. Tremper Longman said this Psalm is "a cry to God from a soul who has nowhere to turn but to God." Spurgeon called it the "How-Long Psalm." It is a Lament Psalm, as David is crying out to God for help in this situation that has him shaken. 

David's Complaint. Four troubles have his faith shaken, each with a "How long…?" (vv.1-2). Of course, God cannot forget him, but it feels that way to David. To him, it is as if the Lord had withdrawn his blessings and care. David would rather turn to God's counsel but feels like God has turned silent. Note the number of personal pronouns. When righteous people perceive the absence of God in their lives, it is very troubling to them. 

David's Call. In verses 3-4, David calls out to the Lord for help. David says, "Perhaps the problem, Lord, is you haven't considered my situation or what it means." Because he is shaken, he needs the Lord. The emotional and spiritual strain seems to have made him physically sick - even gravely ill. He doesn't want the enemies to win or celebrate a victory, not only because of what it means to David but also what it would mean for God's reputation. 

David's Comfort. In the last two verses, David describes what would cure his shaken state. His requests are based on God's lovingkindness, which David still trusts. God's salvation would bring him joy and cause him to sing praises. He isn't singing yet, but he trusts that will soon be the case based on the way God has dealt with him in the past.

Yes, we will sometimes be shaken by difficulties. We may even feel as if God has turned away or forgotten us. Still, He wants us to trust Him, pray honestly, and trust Him. Things may not work out as we would like or in our timeline. But knowing the Lord means knowing He will ultimately take care of us and wants us to turn to Him. I love you, and God does too!

Corey Sawyers is the preaching minister for the Martin Church of Christ and an adjunct instructor for Bear Valley Bible Institute. He is Melody's husband and Daddy to Garrett (and Bailey), Gordon (and Lauren), and Gannon. Tax day is around the corner!