OVERCOMING DESPAIR THROUGH TRUST IN GOD
Text: Psalm 13
8 January 2006
(I) RECOGNISING THE SYMPTOMS OF DESPAIR
1. Daily Sorrow
“Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?” Psalm 13:2
2. Limited personal counsel
“How long shall I take counsel in my soul,…” Psalm 13:2
3. Doubts
“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?” Psalm 13:1
4. Impatience with God
“How long, O LORD?…” Psalm 13
(II) POSSESSING A POWERFUL TRUST IN GOD
1. Trusting in God through His enlightenment
“Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; enlighten my eyes,…” Psalm 13:3
a. Seeking enlightenment
b. Having an enlightened perspective to see beyond despair
2. Trusting in God’s extensive mercies
“But I have trusted in your mercy.” Psalm 13:5
(III) EMPLOYMENT OF TRUST TO FIGHT DESPAIR
1. Fighting despair through prayer.
“Consider and hear me, O Lord my God…” Psalm 13:3
2. Fighting despair with joy
“My heart shall rejoice in your salvation.” Psalm 13:5
3. Fighting despair by singing to the Lord
“I will sing to the Lord…” Psalm 13:6
4. Fighting despair by counting our blessings.
“Because He had dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:6