David asks God how long God will 'ignore' him.
Talk about an uncomfortable way to begin worship. But that's how Psalm 13 begins.
In it, David sings about his enemies beating him down. About feeling forgotten in God's eyes.
He doesn't linger on it. Instead, David asks God what it means for his enemies to prevail.
David, who has served God as faithfully as he could.
David closes with recognition and gratitude: God has helped him all the way. Surely, He will help David again.
But note that the first two verses share pain, even complaints. David doesn't keep those from God.
Sometimes we keep out the pain. The complaint.
Driven by culture, we focus on gratitude. We say other people have it worse. We're taught not to say that we're frightened, disappointed or tired of waiting.
David shows us another way.
David's full feelings are addressed to God. Even when he feels forgotten, he keeps asking Him to listen.
David expresses his pain, asks for consideration, then declares his trust and graittude.
We can do that today. Share what's been painful. Ask for what we need. And Remember what God has already done.
No happy endings needed before we pray.