How Are We to Respond

God’s people must cry out to the Lord for the help that only He can provide

KEY VERSES

PSALM 13:1-4 (NASB)

1How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

3 Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death,
4 And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.

UNDERSTANDING

  • What tone or repeated phrase stands out to you in these verses?

  • Looking at verse two, what does it mean to “take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart all the day”?

  • Can you relate to David’s question, “How long?” Can you relate to his confession that he was storing up anxious concerns within him, and agony in his mind every day (CSB)? Explain.

  • Do you tend to acknowledge feelings of inner struggle in prayer? Why or why not? Do you typically acknowledge those feelings to other believers or keep them to yourself? Why?

  • What do these two verses say to you about how to respond in these days?

  • What difference does it make for you to know God uses your internal struggles as a way to draw you to Himself?

  • Think about a time when you have felt like David at the start of this psalm. What impact did that experience have on your relationship with God? What were some of the questions you wrestled with in that time?

  • How did David’s tone change in verse 3? What specific thing did David ask of God?

  • Is it possible for God to restore your joy even when circumstances around you continue to spiral out of your control? Explain.

  • Considering David’s words in verse 4, what are some reasons people might enjoy seeing you shaken by the external dangers that are present? Why is it important that Christians not be shaken, but continue to trust that God is in control even when external dangers make them feel life is out of control?

  • Read 2 Timothy 1:7. What qualities should the world see in Christ-followers when external dangers are present? Why?

  • Why is looking to the Lord to receive a spirit of power, love, and sound judgment better than willing ourselves to exhibit those qualities?

    APPLICATION

  • In this week’s message we considered that none of us are concerned about racism and riots in our country as much as God. Why is this an important truth to keep at the forefront of your heart and mind?

  • Read 1 John 3:18. What is the relationship between lament before God and love for others?

  • As Christians today, our relationship with God is rooted in His covenant of grace, whichHe has sealed with Christ’s blood. Think about a lament you have brought before God recently. How does the gospel speak into that issue?

  • Is calling out to the Lord like David did an uncomfortable idea to you? In what ways could your prayers be more like David’s?

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