The Period of the Kings
Read Hebrews 11:32. After the period of the Judges, Israel entered the period of the kings.

Becoming a King
Saul was anointed the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 8:22; 10:1). However, Saul rejected the word of the LORD, so God rejected him as king (15:23). God selected David to be the next king (16:11-12). The prophet Samuel anointed him, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David in power (16:13). However, David would not become king until after Saul's death.

David was not only a king; he was a shepherd, musician and psalm writer. Nearly half of the Psalms (73/150) are "of David."

Experiencing Victory (Defeating a Giant)
David became famous when he defeated Goliath, a giant of the Philistines. Saul and all the Israelites were very much afraid of Goliath. But David volunteered to fight him (1 Samuel 17:26, 32, 36). Saul replied, "You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth" (17:33, NIV). As a shepherd, David had killed both lion and bear to protect his sheep. Thus David answered, "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion, and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine" (17:37).

David turned down Saul's armor and sword, and approached Goliath with only his staff, his sling, and five smooth stones (17:38-40). Goliath ridiculed him, but David said, "You come to me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty" (17:45, NIV). "So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone" (17:50).

Experiencing Trouble & Desolation
Though David was "successful" in many ways, he also experienced much trouble. In fact, some of his trouble resulted from his success. When David became famous, Saul became jealous and attempted to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1, 10-11, 15: 20:30-31).
David faced many dangers and troubles because of his involvement in conflicts and wars.
David experienced trouble as a result of his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).
So David experienced many troubles, and sometimes he felt desolation (deserted by God). Many of the Psalms express David's feelings and thoughts.

"How Long, O Lord?"
Psalm 13 is one of the psalms of David. Read Psalm 13.

1. What do you notice about the progression of this psalm? How does the tone change?

2. David felt that his enemy was prevailing over him (v. 2b, 4). We are not sure what "enemy" he was facing. What types of "enemies" do we face? What types of things make us feel discouraged, troubled, or desolate (alone, forgotten)?

3. David asks, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts?" What types of feelings and thoughts do you think he was experiencing at this point of the psalm? How do our feelings (in reaction to circumstances) affect our thinking?

4. As David asks "how long?" do you think he sees "light at the end of the tunnel?" or does the darkness seem to go on forever? How much difference does this make when we are facing difficulties?

5. In what way do verses 3-4 take a more positive turn?

6. The tone of verses 5-6 is definitely positive, even joyful. What has changed? His circumstances? If not, what?

7. How does David make this change? What does he remember and think about?

8. Based on this psalm, and other truths found in the Bible (and learned by experience and testimony), what is the key to dealing with feelings of discouragement and desolation?

"Let him who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the LORD
and rely on his God" (Isaiah 50:10, NIV)

Reflection/Application

† How do you handle disappointment, trouble, pain, and suffering? Do you sometimes have feelings of discouragement and desolation? Life in this world is difficult at times! But those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior can say this: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my light and my salvation. Praise be to my Rock!" Do you need to trust Jesus?

† Trust in the Lord. Pray to Him. Focus not on your circumstances or troubles, but on the Lord and His promises. Read and reflect on psalms like Psalm 3, 4, 6, 13, 18, 20, 23, 27, 42, 46, 51, 55, 73, &102. Read and reflect on Romans 8:18-39. Share your struggles with a trusted Christian friend, who will listen, pray for you, and encourage you.