Has God Dealt 'Bountifully' With You? Then Sing!

Psalm 13 is a common Psalm. Here we find the Psalter going before God in a state of being 'overwhelmed with sorrow'.

The reality is we find ourselves discouraged at times. God commanded Joshua not to be discouraged (Joshua 1.9) and the reason is because of God's presence with him. Every time discouragement arises we should quickly seek to repent and then look to God, because He is present. He is a refuge to those who need Him. And I cannot imagine a moment in my life where I am not in need of Him, so therefore He is a constant refuge. His presence delivers us from discouragement and gives us confidence in Him to stand firm in order to face any challenge He sends our way. And with His presence and bountiful blessings comes joyful shouting.....or singing!

Psalm 13 begins with sorrow, but ends with joyful singing....listen to how Albert Barnes describes Psalm 13,

"The psalm closes, therefore, with expressions of joy, thankfulness, triumph. Though it begins with depression and sadness, it ends with joy. This is often observable in the Psalms. In the commencement it often occurs that the mind is overwhelmed with sorrow, and there is earnest pleading with God. Light, under the influence of prayer, breaks in gradually upon the soul. The clouds disperse; the darkness disappears. New views of the goodness and mercy of God are imparted; an assurance of his favor is brought to the soul; confidence in his mercy springs up in the heart; and the psalm that began with sorrowful complaining ends with the language of praise and of joy.

So, too, it is in our own experience. Afflicted, depressed, and sad, we go to God. Everything seems dark. We have no peace - no clear and cheerful views - no joy. As we wait upon God, new views of his character, his mercy, his love, break upon the mind. The clouds open. Light beams upon us. Our souls take hold of the promises of God, and we, who went to His throne sad and desponding, rise from our devotions filled with praise and joy, submissive to the trials which made us so sad, and rejoicing in the belief that all things will work together for our good."

A few hymns to sing...

I know Whom I Have Believed
I Need The Every Hour
Blessed Assurance