(13:1) Impatience - David frequently lamented that God was slow to act on his behalf. We often feel this same impatience and doubt that God still cares. Evil and suffering seem to go unchecked, and we wonder when God will restrain them. But David affirmed that he would continue to trust God no matter how long he had to wait for God's justice to be realized. When you feel as though your prayers are not being answered, remember David's steadfast faith in God's unfailing love.

(13:2) Strength in Prayer - Sometimes all we need to do is talk over a problem with a friend to help put it in perspective. In this psalm, the phrase how long occurs four times in the first two verses, indicating the depth of David's distress. He felt forgotten and invisible. David expressed his anxiety and sorrow to God and found strength. By the end of his prayer, he was able to profess hope and trust in God. Through prayer we can express our feelings and talk our struggles out with God. He helps us regain the right perspective, and this gives us peace (Habakkuk 3:17-19).

(13:5-6) Holding on to Your Faith - David was faithful to God and trusted wholeheartedly in him, but he felt the pressure of his problems as much as anyone. Instead of giving up or giving in, however, David held on to his faith. In times of despair, it is much harder to hold on than to give up. But if you give up on God, you give in to a life of despair. Keep saying yes to God. Ask him to strengthen your grip on his promises