How would you describe a person who is having a rough time? They may be having trouble relating to people. Maybe experiencing lack of financial stability, or poor health? They’re often easy to spot from their general down cast appearance—a frown, slumped shoulders, hopelessness, tears, sadness, anger. You may not be thinking of someone else—this may describe you.

Psalm 13 tells of David’s difficult circumstances. His enemies were winning over him and gloating. He was shamed and in fear for his life.

The beginning of the Psalm David focuses on his feelings—depression and the fear that God has turned away. Sorrow fills David’ heart, without relief. He asks how long God will let this trouble endure. He begs God to consider his problems and answer his prayer.

In verses 5 and 6 David’s tone changes. He has remembered his trust in God, who had always been faithful. David remembered God’s promises. He remembered how God had cared for him in the past and how he had been blessed.

In my hard times—on days when I’m depressed—when I can only see my problems, like David I need to remember the Lord’s faithfulness.

This is my memory verse.
“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.” Psalm 13:5-6 ESV

David could praise the Lord. He could sing praise songs because of God’s abundant blessing. David’s circumstances hadn’t changed between the first four verses and the last two, but his attitude had.
Life changes when we stop looking at the problem—focusing on our feelings—and begin looking at the truth of our Lord and Savior. Attitude changes when we remember God is good.

In Paul’s first letter to Thessalonica, he instructed believers to rejoice always, pray continually, to give thanks in all circumstances. We aren’t to wait until the tide turns in our favor. We are to always give thanks to the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

In Philippians 4:4, Paul says the same thing “Rejoice in the Lord always.”

Psalm 66:1 and Psalm 100:1 Shout joyfully to God.

Psalm 13 is David’s prayer. He began by presenting his problems to the Lord and being honest about his feelings. Then God answered him, reminding him of his love and care.

Our prayer can be the same. In the rough times—filled with fear or sorrow, we dump all our troubles at the foot of the throne. Our God is faithful to answer with love and reminders of his care. We only have to trust.

We aren’t alone.
Sometimes the sorrow is so heavy, it’s overpowering. We need help. God has put us in families—churches—the family of God—to help each other to the throne to receive comfort. People of God gather around the bereaved to bear the burden and to speak of God’s love. (Galatians 6:2, Ephesians 5:19)