Middle school · Day 5 of 7
Praying Honestly
Read: Psalm 13:1-6 (KJV)
1How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? 2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? 3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; 4Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. 6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
Read the whole chapter ›What it means
David wrote this psalm when he felt like God had forgotten him. He asked, "How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD?" That is a really honest prayer! You might think you have to sound happy or holy when you pray, but God wants you to be real with Him. You can tell Him when you are sad, frustrated, lonely, or confused. Notice how the psalm ends, though. After pouring out his feelings, David says, "But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." His situation had not changed yet, but his focus did. When you feel like no one understands, God does. Be honest with Him, and then remind yourself of how good He has been to you.
Key verse
“But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.”
Psalm 13:5 (KJV)
Think about it
- Have you ever felt like God was far away? What was going on?
- Why is it okay to be honest with God about how you feel?
- What changed for David between the beginning and the end of this psalm?
Pray
Lord, sometimes I feel alone and I do not understand what is happening. Thank You that I can be honest with You. Even when I feel down, help me trust in Your mercy and remember how good You are. Amen.