Thrust: Even when God seems remote, we must continually fix our eyes on Him and believe in His steadfast love

Scripture: Psalm 13

1 How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

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I. The Act of Disappearance by God

A. David's Complaint

B. David's Confusion

Then Moses cried out to the LORD, “What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” (Exodus 17:4)

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed… And Hezekiah wept bitterly. (2 Kings 20:2-3)

How long, LORD, must I call for help, but you do not listen? (Habakkuk 1:2)

Do not be afraid/Do not fear is said 365 times in the Bible.

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II. The Act of Determination in God

Look on me and answer, Lord my God ... (Psalm 13:3a)

A. Acknowledged his reliance on God

In Hebrew – Jehovah my Elohim

• Jehovah – “The God of promise”
• Elohim – “The God of Power”

God, I believe You have the power to keep Your promise.

B. Acknowledged His Confusion

... Give light to my eyes ... (Psalm 13:3b)

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105)

10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:10-11)

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:5)

• Darkness does not gain control
• Darkness will be cast out in the light of God’s Word

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III. The Act of Devotion to God

A. Declaration of His Salvation

But I ... (Psa 13:5)

In Hebrew – Salvation has a broad range of meanings: Deliverance; Aid; Victory; Prosperity; Health; Help; Salvation;

My heart shall rejoice in Your deliverance ...

B. Declaration of His Praise

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Thrust: Even when God seems remote, we must continually fix our eyes on Him and believe in His steadfast love.

All the way my Savior leads me; What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt His tender mercy, Who through life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort, Here by faith in Him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well,

For I know, whate’er befall me, Jesus doeth all things well.

~ All the way my Saviour Leads Me by Fanny Crosby

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Christ is enough for me, Christ is enough for me

Everything I need is in You, Everything I need

~ Christ is Enough, Hillsong Music

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To keep Your lovely face ever before my eyes

This is my prayer, make it my strong desire

That in my secret heart, no other love competes

No rival throne survives and I serve only You

~ To Keep Your Lovely Face, Graham Kendrick

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Don’t ask God when can I get out of this season. Instead, ask God what can I get out of this season!

UPLOOK to God for your OUTLOOK in life.