Troubled Times
* In Psalm 23, David was very confident of the LORD's care for him. Even in "the valley of the shadow of death," David was comforted, because he knew God was with him (23:4).

* However, David did not always experience the feelings of Psalm 23. Sometimes David felt abandoned (left alone) by God. He expressed these feelings in other psalms. Read Psalm 13.

"How Long, O LORD?"
* David begins the psalm with a series of questions, each beginning with "how long…?"

1. When people are facing trouble, and feeling as if God is hidden or distant, how do people respond? What are the different ways people respond?

2. What do you think about these different responses?

* "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Psalm 22:1a; quoted by Jesus as he suffered on the cross - Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34)

* It is important to remember that David is addressing God as "LORD" (13:1a, 3a). In general, David has a strong faith in God, but he feels like God has left him alone and forgotten him.

3. David feels that his enemy is prevailing over him (13:2b, 4). We are not sure what "enemy" he is facing. What types of "enemies" do we face? What types of things make us feel discouraged, troubled, or desolate (alone, forgotten)?

* David asks, "How long must I wrestle with my thoughts?" David's circumstances resulted in strong feelings, which affected his thinking, which conflicted with what he had previously reasoned to be true based on God's revelation, thus resulting in confusion and frustration.

* We often let our feelings do our thinking for us. In times of trial, trouble and sorrow, our thinking is easily confused by our feelings.

4. When 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?

"Answer, O LORD"
* In verses 3-4, the psalm takes a more positive turn. David's complaint turns to petition (prayer for help). His focus shifts from his trouble to God and His promised help. David wants to see with eyes of faith. He appeals to God to not to let his enemy win.

"I Trust…I will Sing to the LORD"
* The tone of verses 5-6 is definitely positive, even joyful. What has changed? His circumstances? No! However, his perspective has obviously changed.

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

6. Based on this psalm, and other truths found in the Bible (and learned by experience and testimony), how can we deal with feelings of desolation in times of trouble?

"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.