Tension Can Produce Character

Psalms 13:1–6
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Four times David asked, “How long” (vv. 1-2)? He had been brought low by his feelings. If we’ve ever been through some great trial we can relate to David. If we haven’t been there yet, we will. In the book of Job we learn that “man was born to trouble as the sparks fly upward.” David wrote this psalm when he was exhausted and very depressed. When we come to our end, our God may want to develop character and do great things in us. Many times we want Him to change our circumstances, however He wants to change us first. That is the reason He allows us to experience the various circumstances in our life.

Should the enemy rejoice while God’s people suffer? David reasoned with God but did not try to tell God what to do (vv. 3-4). Sometimes prayer means wrestling. The reason David could switch so quickly from gloom to gladness is because he gets his eyes firmly fixed on the Lord his God. He can sing because of God’s salvation and because of God’s sufficiency (vv 5-6). His circumstances have not changed  but David can sing because God is everything and He has not changed!! Faith does not always give answers, but it does give encouragement. David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God’s justice to be realized. When we are impatient about something, we need to remember David’s steadfast faith in God’s unfailing mercy and love.

Application

God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow even though situations change. When I’m going through difficult times God’s Word is my help. Philippians 4:8 says,"Finally, brethren whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” This is a great verse for me to have committed to memory and will prepare me for difficult situations.