- Have you ever felt forgotten by God or disappointed with Him?
- Psalm 13:1-2, 25:16-18 and 119:153-154. David was incredibly honest and transparent with God. Is complaining a legitimate form of faith or is it a weakness to overcome? What is your typical response when you feel forgotten by God? What barriers keep you from openly and honestly bringing your disappointments and frustrations to God? Is god disappointed with you if you bring your disappointments to Him?
- Read Psalm 13:3-4 in a few different translations. Is David really issuing an imperative command demanding God to act? What seems to be David’s bigger concern? What in verse 3 indicates David’s intimate relationship with God despite his complaint of feeling forgotten? Read Ephesians 1:17-18. Why is light important? What does it lead us to?
- Read Psalm 13:5-6 in ESV. What is David remembering and why is that important? How can we show our praise to God in the midst of our disappointments and our waiting?
- Read Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” How does this free us to approach God with our disappointments, hurts and struggles, as well as our praises, thanks and adoration?
Using this psalm as a guide, write your own complaint followed by praise with the conjunction ‘but’ in the centre. Keep that with you this week to remember God’s faithfulness in the midst of waiting.
____________________________ but __________________________________.
(Statement of complaint) (Statement of praise)
