I have felt forgotten.

I have felt unheard by God.

I have questioned God about sorrow.

I have felt like the other side was winning,

and I am not alone.

I find David’s expression of these feelings in the Psalms, particularly Psalms 12 and 13.

These feelings are a part of our human condition , and they are only resolved in our relationship with God. David knew this.

That is why in both psalms he turns from groaning to GRACE.

Psalm 12 bemoans the waywardness of mankind and how it seems as if righteousness has disappeared from the Earth.

“Help, Lord; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” (Psalm 12:1)

 Psalm 13 continues David’s agonized praying:

“How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” (Psalm 13:1)

But both psalms conclude with affirmations of David’s confidence in God.

“Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, Thou shalt preserve them from this generations forever.” (Psalm 12:7)

“For I have trusted in Thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me.” (Psalm 13:5, 6)

In a world that accuses and oppresses, David found the answer to life:

• Trust God’s mercy
• Rejoice in God’s salvation
• Sing to God

Seemingly simple actions, but powerful in that they turned David’s eyes from the evil in the world to the all-powerful God.

The world has not improved since David’s time, nor have the people who populate it. As Solomon would say, “there is nothing new under the sun.” Evil continues to challenge, and life can be difficult.

The good news is that God is still able to save, and the answer to life remains the same:

• Trust God’s mercy
• Rejoice in God’s salvation
• Sing to God

Even during the darkest of times, these actions can change my perspective and reset my attitude. They are an appropriate response to the hardness of this world. It worked for David; it works for me as well.

One day in Heaven I want to find David and tell him that his faithfulness to write God’s words helped me maneuver the difficulties of this life.

They can help you, too.

Psalm 59:16 But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning: for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble.

Photo – Florida Landscape, Beth Mims