Finding Yourself in the Psalms
Psalms 12-13
Psalms for Problem Filled Days

The setting is not known

Could correspond to several periods in David’s life

I. The PROBLEMS

A. The godly are no more. Psalm 12:1

1. The effect on the GODLY

2. Sometimes it seems you are all alone

a. (1 Kings 18:22) "Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets."

b. (1 Kings 19:14) "He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.”"

c. 65x “remnant” used to refer to God’s people

B. Truth has been lost. 12:2

1. The effect on the TRUTH.

2. TODAY. You cannot know the truth a. Culturally interpreted

b. Cannot know with certainty

c. There can be various forms of truth

3. (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10) "The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved."

C. The Weak are Oppressed. 12:5

1. The Psalmist is concerned for others

D. The Wicked are more Arrogant. 12:8

II. God’s Response.

A. I will Arise. 12:5 (2 Chronicles 6:40-41) "“Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. “Now arise, O Lord God, and come to your resting place, you and the ark of your might. May your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, may your saints rejoice in your goodness."

B. I will protect. 12:5

C. God’s words are flawless. In contrast to the LIES of the wicked

1. (Isaiah 55:10-11) "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."

2. (Psalm 18:30) "As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him."

III. My Response.

A. 12:7. Lord, You keep us safe

B. Lord, you protect us from such people.(Psalm 84:11) "For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless."

IV. A Question. Psalm 13:1-4

A. How long?

B. Can you trust God? Stephen Curtis Chapman interview.

V. An Answer to troublesome times.

A. 13:5-6

B. God’s loyal love. (Psalm 145:18) "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."