What actions can we take when feeling God "has forgotten" us? Anchor Verse – Psalm 13:1-6 “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long must I wrestle in my soul, with sorrow in my heart each day? How long will my enemy dominate me? Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death, lest my enemy say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes rejoice when I fall. But I have trusted in Your loving devotion; my heart will rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.” David moves from anguish (vv. 1-2) to petition (vv. 3-4) and lands in trust and praise (vv. 5-6). His progression shows practical steps when we feel forgotten. Acknowledge the Ache • Refuse to stuff the feeling. • Name it honestly before God, just as David repeats “How long?” • Remember: feelings are real but not rulers (Jeremiah 17:9). Pour Out Your Heart Without Filters • David’s language is raw, yet Spirit-inspired. • Tell God exactly what you think and fear—He already knows (Psalm 62:8). • Honest lament is an act of faith; you are still talking to Him, not about Him. Ask Boldly for What You Need • “Look on me and answer” (v. 3) is a direct plea. • Pray specifically—clarity, comfort, provision, whatever the gap is. • Jesus encourages persistent asking (Luke 11:9-10). Recall God’s Track Record • “But I have trusted…” (v. 5) reaches back to past rescues. • Keep a journal of answered prayers; reread it when doubt whispers. • Isaiah 46:9: “Remember the former things of old…” Preach His Promises to Yourself • “He has been good to me” (v. 6) is truth over feelings. • Speak verses aloud: – “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) – “See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:16) • Meditation reshapes mood (Joshua 1:8). Choose Present-Tense Worship • David sings before circumstances change. • Worship redirects the heart to God’s greatness (Psalm 42:5). • Play, sing, or write a hymn of praise; emotions often follow action. Stay in God-Given Community • Enemies isolate; faith family encourages (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Share the struggle so others can speak truth and pray. • Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens…” Keep Walking, Expecting an Answer • David prays “Give light to my eyes” anticipating God will act. • Even slow progress is progress; obedience while waiting is worship. • Philippians 1:6 reassures that He finishes what He starts. Additional Verses When the Feeling Persists • Deuteronomy 31:6 – He never abandons. • Psalm 27:13-14 – “Wait for the LORD; be strong…” • Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always…” Act on these steps and feelings will eventually align with the unchanging truth: God has not forgotten—He is forming faith in the waiting. |
    |