Psalm 13, Forgotten by God?

“O blessed Jesus, give me stillness of my soul in you. Let your mighty calmness reign in me; rule me, O King of gentleness, King of peace. Give me control, great power of self-control, control over my words, thoughts and actions. From all irritability, lack of meekness, lack of gentleness, dear Lord, deliver me. By your own deep patience, give me patience. Make me in this and all things more and more like you.”(6)

Psalm 13

Psalm 13:1 ESV

1 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

Forgotten by God?

When I read Psalm 13 I can’t get past the first sentence. What would the world be like if we were truly forgotten by God? What would my life be like if I was forgotten by God. This would be the worst punishment a person could face. It is the opposite of dwelling in the Sabbath rest of God. Existence without God would be the very definition of a living hell.

David has experienced life with God and now is enduring a season where God feels distant. A Dark Night of the Soul type experience. He longs for the counsel and wisdom of God. For many of us these experiences, when God is difficult to discern and his presence is not felt, are similar to depression. They can be caused by illness, circumstances, and actual depression. David wants to get his life back. He longs to have that twinkle in his eye, the spark of creative light that says, “I’m alive.” He is tired of the weakness of doubt and despair.

Yet, David trusts in his unshakeable God. The goodness of the Lord is everlasting. David knows God will save him a type experience. He longs for the counsel and wisdom of God. For many of us these experiences, when God is difficult to discern and his presence is not felt, are similar to depression. They can be caused by illness, circumstances, andt actual depression. David wants to get his life back. He longs to have that twinkle in his eye, the spark of creative light that says, “I’m alive.” He is tired of the weakness of doubt and despair.

David trusts in his unshakeable God. The goodness of the Lord is everlasting. David trusts that God will save him just as he always has. God’s love and care are never in question as David recounts the numerous ways he has been blessed by his heavenly Father.

Prayer

God, I thank you that you are always here for me. I want to take time and say thank you for all the ways you have blessed my life; ______.

Help me to remember your faithfulness even when things are difficult. Guide me back to your presence in the hard moments. Amen.