When Nothing Changes Or Turning Despair Into Delight

WHEN NOTHING CHANGES

Psalms 13

This was probably written by David during the years when King Saul was pursuing him for the purpose of taking his life. During that time David confessed, “There is but a step between me and death” (1 Samuel 20:3).

I. HIS DESPAIR (13;1-2)

1. With The Lord

a. Forgotten – “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

b. Forsaken – “How long will You hid your face from me?”

2. With Himself – “How long shall must I wrestle with my thoughts and have sorrow in my heart daily?”

3. With His Enemy – “How long will my enemy be exalted over me?”

II. HIS DESIRE (3-4)

1. The Requests

a. Respond to me – “Consider and hear me, O Lord my God.”

b. Revive me – “Enlighten my eyes” (NKJ). “Give light to my eyes” (NRS).

2. The Reasons

a. I’m dead – “Lest I sleep the sleep of death” (NKJ). “…or I will die” (NLT).

b. I’m defeated – “Lest my enemy say, ‘I have prevailed against him” (NKJ).

c. I’m defamed – “Let those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved” (NLT).

III. HIS DELIGHT (5-6)

1. Confidence Restored – “I have trusted [present perfect] in Your mercy [hesed]” (NKJ).

2. Joy Restored – “My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation” (NKJ).

3. Praise Restored – “I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me” (NKJ).

CONCLUSION

There is no indication that his circumstances changed, but there was is a noticeable change in his outlook. The only thing that this can be traced to is prayer. As he unburdened his heart before the Lord, his confidence, his joy and his praise were restored. Prayer didn’t bring immediate change to David’s circumstances, but it did affect him positively. If you will cast your cares upon the Lord, you will experience renewed faith, joy and praise!