Where Faith Begins (Psalm 13-15)

 

“How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?   How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?” Psalm 13:1-2

 

Can you imagine singing a song like this at church? You would probably be criticized for your lack of faith. But for King David, this is where faith begins—pouring out his heart before God—his feelings, problems and questions.

 

But David doesn’t stop there. Next, he appeals to God, saying where he’d be without Him. He’d be like a dead man with his enemies rejoicing over him (Psalm 13:3-4).

 

And then he reminds himself of God’s character and how He has dealt with David in the past—His steadfast love, Savior, giver of bountiful blessings (Psalm 13:5-6).

 

Then something amazing happens. In Psalm 14, God tells David who humans are. “They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 14:3) 

 

The Apostle Paul quotes the latter in Romans 3, describing how man’s efforts to please God are futile, but God provided a way for us to come to Him in Christ. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:23-24)

 

            In Psalm 15, David reveals insights concerning the person who walks with God. “He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart.” (Psalm 15:2)

 

            David’s model of seeking God still works today. In your quiet time, write out your feelings, problems and questions. Appeal to God, reminding yourself where you’d be without Him. List God’s attributes. Remember the times He has answered your prayers. Ask Him to speak. Be quiet before him and listen. The Holy Spirit speaks to believers in Christ. “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) Write down the impressions He places in Your spirit. Lastly, record any insights you may have learned.

 

Be open and honest before God, yielding yourself to Him. This is where faith begins, grows, and flourishes.

 

--Connie L. Peters

 

Connie L. Peters has 30 years of experience in writing poetry, adult and children’s fiction and inspirational non-fiction. Currently she writes devotions for The Presidential Prayer Team and The Pagosa Sun. She also writes a poem a day on enthusiaticsoul.blogspot.com. Connie’s work has appeared in numerous publications including Focus on the Family, Bible Advocate and The Quiet Hour. She has served on the board of Southwest Christian Writers Association for the past 20 years. Connie lives in Cortez, CO where she and her husband host two adults with developmental disabilities. The Peterses have two grown children who live in Arizona.