Psalm 13:1-6 & Psalm14:1-7
Psalm 13:1-6: Q.1. Why did David feel that God had forgotten him? How serious were his circumstances? – (Ps.13:1-4)
David was under constant threat from his enemies. He found it hard to sleep, and feared he would be killed – 3 … bring light to my eyes in the darkness, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 4 and my enemy will say, “I have overcome him … (Ps.13:3-4). With four questions, he expressed that he felt forsaken and forgotten by God, because his enemy held the upper hand (Ps.13:1-3).
Q.2. Where was David’s focus amid his trials? What difference did his connection with God make? – (Ps.13:5-6)
Did David turn away from God when it seemed He ignored his plight? There was not much to encourage him, but David kept trusting and giving thanks for that which no one could take away from him – my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation (Ps.13:5). He overcame the darkness of his circumstances and was able to rejoice in the many blessings that the Lord had extended to him – I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me (Ps.13:6). In spite of all his contrary thoughts, David acknowledged that God is indeed a good God.
Psalm 14:1-7: Q.3. What makes someone a fool? How could Paul apply this to all people in Romans 3:10? What did God do to change the outcome? – (Ps.14:1-7)
The denial of God is not so much a conclusion of logic but is a heart issue. David summed up perfectly – The fool has said in his heart – ‘there is no God’ … (Ps.14:1). We get a clue as to why this happens – they are corrupt, they have committed abominable deeds (Ps.14:1). Our hopeless leaning toward sin has two possible responses: (i) Accept that we need a Saviour because God is holy or (ii) Remove God from the equation, so we can make our own rules. David went on to highlight the completeness of our sinfulness – There is no one who does good … They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; There is no one who does good, not even one (Ps.14:1 & 3). Paul used this Scripture to prove the universality of sin (Rom.3:10-12). A fool who decides there is no God, will not seek for a solution to his slavery to sin, or curb his negative influences on others. Not all those who conclude that there is no God will be instantly corrupt and commit abominable deeds. The conclusion is the prelude. If there is no God, then we can decide ourselves, what is right and wrong. Consequently, we live in a society that shamelessly rejects God as Creator and Ruler. The most repugnant thing now is to uphold the holiness of God. However, David had news for then, and for now – the Lord is with the righteous generation … the Lord is his refuge (Ps.14:5-6). It didn’t stop there. God has plans to restore the fortunes of His people – Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! WHEN? When the Lord restores His captive people. Then Jacob will rejoice, and Israel will be glad (Ps.14:7).