Psalm 13 (Part 2)

Tonight we continue through Psalm 13... a lament Psalm.

Let’s read the whole Psalm together and then I’ll just make a few comments about it.

I’d like to discuss this genre of writing... lament.

In lament Psalms we hear the strong, emotional words of individual sufferers or communities. 

These are words written by real people in very difficult situations. 

The individuals who spoke and/or wrote these Psalms know that God will not be angry with their honesty, for even when they scream at God it is a scream of faith.

The major parts (found in most but not all lament Psalms) that identify a Lament Psalms are:

1. Introductory cry or addressing of God.
1. Example: "My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?" of Psalm 22.
2. Description of the lament, complaint or suffering.
1. Examples: "Lord, how they have increased who trouble me!" from Psalm 3.
3. Confession of faith or trust in God.
1. Example: "But you, O Lord, are a shield to me" from Psalm 3.
4. Reason(s) for God to act.
1. Example: "Arise for our help and redeem us for Your mercies' sake." of Psalm 44.
5. A petition or request for God to act.
1. Examples: "Hear me when I call, O God . . ." from Psalm 4 and/or "Give ear to my words, O LORD . . ." from Psalm 5.
6. Praise or thanksgiving to God.
1. Examples: "I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness . . ." from Psalm 7 and/or "I will sing unto the LORD . . ." of Psalm 13.

What’s interesting is that Laments are the most common genre of writing in the Psalms, which communicates a few significant things to us.

1. Life is difficult, especially for the person who is attempting to align themselves with God.
2. Life isn’t fair or just, which means we will have to rely on the justness of our Creator or be doomed to violence, depression, and/or hopelessness.
3. We were created to be emotional beings so we will respond in some way to difficult circumstances.

The Psalms of lament are models of a Godly response to suffering. 

Rather than expect us to remain stoic through our suffering, God wants us to pour out our hearts and souls to him.

Failure to express pain and suffering in prayer stifles our ability to tap into the power of God’s comfort, strength, support, and so on.

Notice that every lament Psalm ends with an awareness of God’s control over the situation.

It’s of the utmost importance that we recognize our inability to deal with the hills and valleys of life without a constant awareness of God’s control.

So a question for you tonight as we close this time of study... who’s in control of your life and your circumstances?

Honestly ask yourself this question, “Who’s in control?”

Chances are we’re holding on to something.  If you’re a fixer, a problem solver, you might be holding on to some of the difficulties of life.

If you’re a controller and organizer you might be holding on to a schedule or a budget.

If you’re a highly social person you might be holding on to friendships and other people’s opinions.

Whatever that thing is, whether it be a positive thing like family and security or a negative thing like a personal crisis or a work complication.  Whatever it is you need a perspective change.

Who’s in control?

When you recognize God’s sovereignty in your life, then and only then will you begin to experience real freedom and begin the process of healing.