2005-12-04 - Enough Already

Psalm 13, Part 2

First, we will examine the context of Psalm 13. Next we will touch on the text itself. But most importantly, we will see the real truth of Psalm 13 is one which we can appropriate for ourselves. This is the promise that we can find the joy and confidence which comes from the fact we can have total trust in our God. We can know that He is in control. The message of God is that while we may feel like saying, "Enough already," He is in control, and "Hassles do come to an End."

As with a number of the Psalms, we have no reason to doubt David is the author, as the superscription informs us. Now, while we can't say for sure under what circumstances this psalm was written, it seems to tie in well with the period in which David was fleeing the paranoiac Saul, and being chased by him through the wilderness of Judea. (see 1 Samuel 27).

But as Leupold notes:

"fortunately the manner of referring to the experience is such that any individual may pray this prayer after the original sufferer. It is to be classified as the lament of an individual." ₁

The psalm is interesting, in that it appears to be broken down into two sections of unequal length. The first four verses deal with David's frustrations. The second part, only two verses, express the true focus of a man of God, trust and joy in, and praise of the Lord.

Verses 1-4: These verses express the frustration which David was feeling. For the sake of discussion, let's assume that this was written in the context of his fleeing from Saul. David had been named by God to replace Saul as king. In spite of this, he had remained loyal to Saul, had striven to serve him, and be the best servant he could be.

What had been his reward? He had become the object of Saul's paranoia. All through the latter chapters of 1 Samuel, we see Saul's ever-growing hatred of David, and Saul's ongoing efforts to take his life. It's no wonder David was feeling burned. It was as if God had forgotten Him. It appeared that God had hidden His face from David. He was in that state when it feels like your prayers are bouncing off the ceiling. David had been reviewing his circumstances and endeavoring to find a way out. He wanted direction from the Lord, but all he got was grief and apparent defeat. How long could he go on striving to do what was right, seeking the Lord's will and still having nothing go right?

To be continued.

Comments or Questions?
Geoff

pastor@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

¹ H. C. Leupold; Exposition the Psalms, Baker Book House, 1974, pg.134