Study 43

Text: Psalm 13

THE MANY FACES OF EVIL

We are witnessing great evil being perpetrated against humanity almost every day! Evil has many faces! And every face will show defiance, arrogance and mockery of all that is good! Can anyone remain unmoved and uninvolved?

WE CANNOT BE AT THE SIDELINES!

We cannot stand on the sidelines and watch evil hold humanity to ransom! There is no such thing as neutrality in this battle! Evil is a force that Satan himself has unleashed against a world that seems intimidated by the sheer power of wickedness.

NO HOLDS BARRED

The fight against evil is costly, in more ways than one. Psalm 13 reveals an important insight. The psalmist David found that his emotions were in a state of turmoil as he sought to battle evil in his reign. No one must be naïve when battling against evil.

THE TACTICS OF THE ENEMY

The enemies that he battled were crafty. One of the things they sought to do was to attempt to undermine emotional stability. David on one occasion found himself so troubled that he cried out to the Lord with these words.

"How long will the enemy be exalted over me…?
"Lest my enemy say,
'I have prevailed against him,'
Lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved."
Psalm. 2, 4

THE PROBLEM OF DISORIENTATION

For a little while the psalmist David found himself disorientated. Suddenly doubts and fears assailed him. This is reflected clearly in his prayer to the Lord. Three things may be highlighted from a study of the text below.

"How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart daily?"
Psalm 13:1-2

1. Impatience

When the Lord did not answer him speedily enough, a spirit of impatience crept in. Hence the plaintive and impatient cry, "How long, O Lord?"

2. Sorrow

There was an inexplicable and pervasive sense of sorrow within the heart. This sense of malaise was felt "daily."

3. Doubts

Doubts thrive in such circumstances! These must be battled or they will triumph!

~ Pastor Charlie Tan ~

Released 3rd October 2004, © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore