Don't Stop Praying

Published 4/14/20

Read Psalm 13:3-6

"Consider and answer me, O Lord my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me."

Reflect

Honest communication with God is a great way to process what is going on in our lives. Have you noticed this too? (Please explain.) Why do you think it's a healthy way to work through what we're feeling? Why is it important to get a perspective from a trusted friend, as well?

As you read Psalm 13 compare the way David starts with the way he ends. Do you notice a difference? By the time David has finished unloading on God, his perspective has changed. God is back in view. The dark clouds are gone. The sky is clear. David is back on track with God.

It's hard to know how much time David's prayers represent. Chances are, some of the prayers that are recorded in the Psalms weren't prayed in one sitting (or kneeling). The time between what was going on at the beginning of a specific prayer and at the ending could have been weeks or months. But it is likely that David kept talking to God about his situation each time.

In other words, even if it feels as if God hasn't shown up, don't give up. Never stop trusting God--or praying--just because the landscape hasn't changed overnight. It may take longer than we think. But, then again, simply telling God about our problems may help us see things about the Lord that we've forgotten.

Pray

Lord Jesus, I don't know how to pray right now, but I know I need to. Hear my heart and draw me closer to You. Heal my hurt. Amen.

Portions of this study were adapted from Michael Ross, Prayer (Uhrichsville.: Barbour, 2016). Pastor and writer Greg Asimakoupoulos contributed to this devotional entry.