When I am anxious - Eric Geiger | Mariners Church

Hey, welcome to Mariners Church. If we Hey, welcome to Mariners Church. If we haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the haven't met, my name is Eric. I'm the senior pastor here. I want to welcome senior pastor here. I want to welcome senior pastor here. I want to welcome those in our online community who are those in our online community who are those in our online community who are joining us now. So glad that you're with joining us now. So glad that you're with joining us now. So glad that you're with us today. us today. us today. Also want to welcome Mariners hosted Also want to welcome Mariners hosted Also want to welcome Mariners hosted here. We take Mariners Church to all here. We take Mariners Church to all here. We take Mariners Church to all kinds of different environments. In kinds of different environments. In kinds of different environments. In fact, I'm so excited to announce a new fact, I'm so excited to announce a new fact, I'm so excited to announce a new Mariners hosted here that's going to Mariners hosted here that's going to Mariners hosted here that's going to begin in just a couple of months. begin in just a couple of months. begin in just a couple of months. Maybe you remember during the month of Maybe you remember during the month of Maybe you remember during the month of June, we had year-end giving here at June, we had year-end giving here at June, we had year-end giving here at Mariners and I said, "Listen, Mariners and I said, "Listen, Mariners and I said, "Listen, we really hope that we exceed our we really hope that we exceed our we really hope that we exceed our ministry budget because we have an ministry budget because we have an ministry budget because we have an amazing opportunity to take services to amazing opportunity to take services to amazing opportunity to take services to Camp Pendleton. And we have such a great Camp Pendleton. And we have such a great Camp Pendleton. And we have such a great relationship and we love the Marines at relationship and we love the Marines at relationship and we love the Marines at Camp Pendleton so much. We had Easter Camp Pendleton so much. We had Easter Camp Pendleton so much. We had Easter services there and that was kind of a services there and that was kind of a services there and that was kind of a test. And you were so generous during test. And you were so generous during test. And you were so generous during year-end giving. I'm so excited to year-end giving. I'm so excited to year-end giving. I'm so excited to announce that in this fall coming up, we announce that in this fall coming up, we announce that in this fall coming up, we are going to launch services, Mariners are going to launch services, Mariners are going to launch services, Mariners hosted here at Camp Pendleton. We're hosted here at Camp Pendleton. We're hosted here at Camp Pendleton. We're going to have services in the morning going to have services in the morning going to have services in the morning for families and the service services in for families and the service services in for families and the service services in the evening for young men. It's going to the evening for young men. It's going to the evening for young men. It's going to be incredible. And so, I'm so thankful be incredible. And so, I'm so thankful be incredible. And so, I'm so thankful for you for your generosity to your for you for your generosity to your for you for your generosity to your church. And I welcome you. I'm so glad church. And I welcome you. I'm so glad church. And I welcome you. I'm so glad that you are with us today.

that you are with us today. that you are with us today. At different seasons in my life, I have At different seasons in my life, I have At different seasons in my life, I have wrestled with anxiety. wrestled with anxiety. wrestled with anxiety. I know the crushing feeling when a wave I know the crushing feeling when a wave I know the crushing feeling when a wave of anxiety just rushes over your entire of anxiety just rushes over your entire of anxiety just rushes over your entire body. I've sat with therapists and with body. I've sat with therapists and with body. I've sat with therapists and with friends and they've helped me discern friends and they've helped me discern friends and they've helped me discern what is the context in my life when what is the context in my life when what is the context in my life when those seasons of anxiety come. And for those seasons of anxiety come. And for those seasons of anxiety come. And for me at least, it seems it's when rhythms me at least, it seems it's when rhythms me at least, it seems it's when rhythms have been disrupted in my life. When the have been disrupted in my life. When the have been disrupted in my life. When the rhythm of exercise and time in the rhythm of exercise and time in the rhythm of exercise and time in the scripture and the consistency with scripture and the consistency with scripture and the consistency with friends or the same work colleagues, friends or the same work colleagues, friends or the same work colleagues, when those can get disrupted, I'm most when those can get disrupted, I'm most when those can get disrupted, I'm most susceptible in that moment to susceptible in that moment to susceptible in that moment to anxiousness and I'm not alone. In fact, anxiousness and I'm not alone. In fact, anxiousness and I'm not alone. In fact, there's two famous psychiatrists who there's two famous psychiatrists who there's two famous psychiatrists who developed the Holmes Rahe scale, Thomas developed the Holmes Rahe scale, Thomas developed the Holmes Rahe scale, Thomas Holmes and Richard Rahe, and they Holmes and Richard Rahe, and they Holmes and Richard Rahe, and they researched what is likely to be the researched what is likely to be the researched what is likely to be the stressors or the triggers in one's life stressors or the triggers in one's life stressors or the triggers in one's life that causes anxiousness to hit and they that causes anxiousness to hit and they that causes anxiousness to hit and they concluded that is it is when context concluded that is it is when context concluded that is it is when context changes. It's when a job changes or changes. It's when a job changes or changes. It's when a job changes or someone moves or the family dynamics someone moves or the family dynamics someone moves or the family dynamics change that those stressors can really change that those stressors can really change that those stressors can really make one susceptible to just seasons of make one susceptible to just seasons of make one susceptible to just seasons of being overwhelmed or seasons of being overwhelmed or seasons of being overwhelmed or seasons of anxiousness. And I know I'm not the only anxiousness. And I know I'm not the only anxiousness. And I know I'm not the only one who has wrestled with this. Mason one who has wrestled with this. Mason one who has wrestled with this. Mason Currey is an author and he wrote a book Currey is an author and he wrote a book Currey is an author and he wrote a book about famous authors and composers and about famous authors and composers and about famous authors and composers and thinkers and writers and artists thinkers and writers and artists thinkers and writers and artists and these were ones he wrote about who and these were ones he wrote about who and these were ones he wrote about who wrestle with anxiousness, some even with wrestle with anxiousness, some even with wrestle with anxiousness, some even with depression and they developed daily

depression and they developed daily depression and they developed daily rituals that would help them moderate rituals that would help them moderate rituals that would help them moderate their own feelings but also allow them their own feelings but also allow them their own feelings but also allow them to do really productive work. See, to do really productive work. See, to do really productive work. See, research research has shown us that research research has shown us that research research has shown us that artists are particularly susceptible to artists are particularly susceptible to artists are particularly susceptible to anxiety and depression. Not every single anxiety and depression. Not every single anxiety and depression. Not every single artist but artists as a whole compared artist but artists as a whole compared artist but artists as a whole compared to the entire population are a group of to the entire population are a group of to the entire population are a group of people that feel real deeply. In fact, people that feel real deeply. In fact, people that feel real deeply. In fact, this is what makes them often great this is what makes them often great this is what makes them often great artists. They are very introspective. artists. They are very introspective. artists. They are very introspective. They they feel their work and they They they feel their work and they They they feel their work and they produce incredible art but that same produce incredible art but that same produce incredible art but that same strength can also make them susceptible strength can also make them susceptible strength can also make them susceptible to anxiousness and depression and so to anxiousness and depression and so to anxiousness and depression and so Mason Currey was saying they built Mason Currey was saying they built Mason Currey was saying they built regular rhythms in their life that would regular rhythms in their life that would regular rhythms in their life that would help them and that's what I learned for help them and that's what I learned for help them and that's what I learned for myself. When I moved here 8 years ago, I myself. When I moved here 8 years ago, I myself. When I moved here 8 years ago, I had learned that over time and so I had learned that over time and so I had learned that over time and so I fought really hard when I first moved to fought really hard when I first moved to fought really hard when I first moved to Southern California 8 years ago. I Southern California 8 years ago. I Southern California 8 years ago. I fought for the daily rhythms, the daily fought for the daily rhythms, the daily fought for the daily rhythms, the daily spiritual disciplines in my life that spiritual disciplines in my life that spiritual disciplines in my life that would help me because I knew there was would help me because I knew there was would help me because I knew there was going to be so much inconsistency. Now, going to be so much inconsistency. Now, going to be so much inconsistency. Now, all of this all of this all of this it makes Psalm 13, the Psalm that we're it makes Psalm 13, the Psalm that we're it makes Psalm 13, the Psalm that we're going to study today, really compelling.

going to study today, really compelling. going to study today, really compelling. Because David, the psalmist, he's an Because David, the psalmist, he's an Because David, the psalmist, he's an artist artist artist and everything is changing in in life. and everything is changing in in life. and everything is changing in in life. There is not a permanent address. I There is not a permanent address. I There is not a permanent address. I mean, there's so much inconsistency that mean, there's so much inconsistency that mean, there's so much inconsistency that is disrupting the daily rhythms in his is disrupting the daily rhythms in his is disrupting the daily rhythms in his life. And as an artist, he feels really life. And as an artist, he feels really life. And as an artist, he feels really deeply. And so, he writes a psalm, Psalm deeply. And so, he writes a psalm, Psalm deeply. And so, he writes a psalm, Psalm 13, which is David, a man after God's 13, which is David, a man after God's 13, which is David, a man after God's own heart, saying that he wrestles with own heart, saying that he wrestles with own heart, saying that he wrestles with anxiousness. He talks about the anxiousness. He talks about the anxiousness. He talks about the agonizing thoughts that are within him. agonizing thoughts that are within him. agonizing thoughts that are within him. We are in a teaching series called when We are in a teaching series called when We are in a teaching series called when life doesn't make sense. And we're life doesn't make sense. And we're life doesn't make sense. And we're looking at some famous psalms and the looking at some famous psalms and the looking at some famous psalms and the stories beneath the psalms. Now, many of stories beneath the psalms. Now, many of stories beneath the psalms. Now, many of us have wrestled with anxiousness. us have wrestled with anxiousness. us have wrestled with anxiousness. If If not, then you have friends who If If not, then you have friends who If If not, then you have friends who wrestle with anxiousness. And I love wrestle with anxiousness. And I love wrestle with anxiousness. And I love that the scripture is is really that the scripture is is really that the scripture is is really beautiful in giving us helpful insight beautiful in giving us helpful insight beautiful in giving us helpful insight on what to do when we find ourselves on what to do when we find ourselves on what to do when we find ourselves filled with anxiousness. We see David filled with anxiousness. We see David filled with anxiousness. We see David pray in Psalm 13, this incredible pray in Psalm 13, this incredible pray in Psalm 13, this incredible prayer. This is a man after God's own prayer. This is a man after God's own prayer. This is a man after God's own heart who is struggling. And he brings heart who is struggling. And he brings heart who is struggling. And he brings his struggles to God. Now, what we're his struggles to God. Now, what we're his struggles to God. Now, what we're doing in this teaching series is we look doing in this teaching series is we look doing in this teaching series is we look at the psalm, but we're also looking at at the psalm, but we're also looking at at the psalm, but we're also looking at the the account beneath the psalm. And the the account beneath the psalm. And the the account beneath the psalm. And this is David in his 20s. And the this is David in his 20s. And the this is David in his 20s. And the backstory to Psalm 13 is really found in backstory to Psalm 13 is really found in backstory to Psalm 13 is really found in 11 chapters in the book of 1 Samuel.

11 chapters in the book of 1 Samuel. 11 chapters in the book of 1 Samuel. It's 1 Samuel 18 all the way through 28. It's 1 Samuel 18 all the way through 28. It's 1 Samuel 18 all the way through 28. I started that backstory last weekend, I started that backstory last weekend, I started that backstory last weekend, and I'm going to continue it this week. and I'm going to continue it this week. and I'm going to continue it this week. And so, I'm going to try to sum up for And so, I'm going to try to sum up for And so, I'm going to try to sum up for you real quickly, 11 chapters. Now, if you real quickly, 11 chapters. Now, if you real quickly, 11 chapters. Now, if you had your Bible open at 1 Samuel 18 you had your Bible open at 1 Samuel 18 you had your Bible open at 1 Samuel 18 all the way through 28, and you had a all the way through 28, and you had a all the way through 28, and you had a map, this is what it would look like. map, this is what it would look like. map, this is what it would look like. Saul has tried to kill David twice. Saul Saul has tried to kill David twice. Saul Saul has tried to kill David twice. Saul is the current king. David's been is the current king. David's been is the current king. David's been promised that he's going to be the next promised that he's going to be the next promised that he's going to be the next king. king. king. And Saul is filled with jealousy towards And Saul is filled with jealousy towards And Saul is filled with jealousy towards David. David, because Saul's trying to David. David, because Saul's trying to David. David, because Saul's trying to kill him twice, flees to Ramah. He goes kill him twice, flees to Ramah. He goes kill him twice, flees to Ramah. He goes from Ramah to Nob. I was sharing this from Ramah to Nob. I was sharing this from Ramah to Nob. I was sharing this last week. He went from Nob to Gath, last week. He went from Nob to Gath, last week. He went from Nob to Gath, where he pretended to be insane. And the where he pretended to be insane. And the where he pretended to be insane. And the king of Gath sent him away. Then he went king of Gath sent him away. Then he went king of Gath sent him away. Then he went to Adullam, and he lived in a cave. And to Adullam, and he lived in a cave. And to Adullam, and he lived in a cave. And he prayed Psalm 142, the psalm that we he prayed Psalm 142, the psalm that we he prayed Psalm 142, the psalm that we studied last week, from a cave in studied last week, from a cave in studied last week, from a cave in Adullam. Adullam. Adullam. Now, Now, Now, not everything's fine. It's not as if he not everything's fine. It's not as if he not everything's fine. It's not as if he prayed Psalm 142 and everything was just prayed Psalm 142 and everything was just prayed Psalm 142 and everything was just rosy in his life after that epic prayer rosy in his life after that epic prayer rosy in his life after that epic prayer in Psalm 142.

in Psalm 142. in Psalm 142. And I love that the Bible's honest that And I love that the Bible's honest that And I love that the Bible's honest that you're going to have seasons where you you're going to have seasons where you you're going to have seasons where you were you feel crushed and overwhelmed by were you feel crushed and overwhelmed by were you feel crushed and overwhelmed by this world and you bring your prayers to this world and you bring your prayers to this world and you bring your prayers to God and they're beautiful prayers. God and they're beautiful prayers. God and they're beautiful prayers. They're filled with faith like Psalm 142 They're filled with faith like Psalm 142 They're filled with faith like Psalm 142 which we prayed together last week and which we prayed together last week and which we prayed together last week and yet you are still in the midst of your yet you are still in the midst of your yet you are still in the midst of your circumstance, you still are in the midst circumstance, you still are in the midst circumstance, you still are in the midst of your trial and your struggle. And the of your trial and your struggle. And the of your trial and your struggle. And the struggle that David is living through struggle that David is living through struggle that David is living through goes on for many years that goes on for many years that goes on for many years that even for the people of God, even for even for the people of God, even for even for the people of God, even for those of us who love him with all of our those of us who love him with all of our those of us who love him with all of our hearts, this world is crooked and bent hearts, this world is crooked and bent hearts, this world is crooked and bent out of shape and often times life out of shape and often times life out of shape and often times life doesn't make sense. So he goes from doesn't make sense. So he goes from doesn't make sense. So he goes from Adullam and he goes to Moab. Now this Adullam and he goes to Moab. Now this Adullam and he goes to Moab. Now this was shocking to one of the prophets. was shocking to one of the prophets. was shocking to one of the prophets. Like, "No, no, no, David, that you Like, "No, no, no, David, that you Like, "No, no, no, David, that you crossed over the border from Israel to crossed over the border from Israel to crossed over the border from Israel to Moab. You're not supposed to be in Moab. Moab. You're not supposed to be in Moab. Moab. You're not supposed to be in Moab. You're going to be the king of Israel. You're going to be the king of Israel. You're going to be the king of Israel. You got to get back to Israel." So then You got to get back to Israel." So then You got to get back to Israel." So then David goes from Moab and he lives in the David goes from Moab and he lives in the David goes from Moab and he lives in the forest in Hereth and then he hears about forest in Hereth and then he hears about forest in Hereth and then he hears about people in Keilah. Now Keilah is a city people in Keilah. Now Keilah is a city people in Keilah. Now Keilah is a city that the Philistines are going to attack that the Philistines are going to attack that the Philistines are going to attack and David, he's a man after God's own and David, he's a man after God's own and David, he's a man after God's own heart, is filled with compassion for the heart, is filled with compassion for the heart, is filled with compassion for the people of Keilah and so he asks God, people of Keilah and so he asks God, people of Keilah and so he asks God, "Should I defend these people who I "Should I defend these people who I "Should I defend these people who I don't even know? Should I defend the don't even know? Should I defend the don't even know? Should I defend the people in the Keilah against the people in the Keilah against the people in the Keilah against the Philistines?" And God says you should.

Philistines?" And God says you should. Philistines?" And God says you should. So David fights on behalf of these So David fights on behalf of these So David fights on behalf of these people. He risks his life for them in people. He risks his life for them in people. He risks his life for them in battle. He saves their entire city battle. He saves their entire city battle. He saves their entire city and then he has a sense that these and then he has a sense that these and then he has a sense that these people who he has saved are going to people who he has saved are going to people who he has saved are going to betray him. And so he asks God, "Are betray him. And so he asks God, "Are betray him. And so he asks God, "Are they going to hand me over, God? Are they going to hand me over, God? Are they going to hand me over, God? Are they going to hand me over to Saul?" they going to hand me over to Saul?" they going to hand me over to Saul?" Saul is the king who's tracking David Saul is the king who's tracking David Saul is the king who's tracking David all throughout this entire decade of all throughout this entire decade of all throughout this entire decade of David's life. He's tracking all of these David's life. He's tracking all of these David's life. He's tracking all of these places. "Are they going to hand me over places. "Are they going to hand me over places. "Are they going to hand me over to Saul?" And God says they are. They're to Saul?" And God says they are. They're to Saul?" And God says they are. They're going to hand you over. Oh, the betrayal going to hand you over. Oh, the betrayal going to hand you over. Oh, the betrayal that David experiences once again. He that David experiences once again. He that David experiences once again. He goes from Keilah to Ziph and then he's goes from Keilah to Ziph and then he's goes from Keilah to Ziph and then he's in Ziph and he goes to Maon. I mean, in Ziph and he goes to Maon. I mean, in Ziph and he goes to Maon. I mean, he's just switching addresses every he's just switching addresses every he's just switching addresses every couple of years. From Maon, he goes to couple of years. From Maon, he goes to couple of years. From Maon, he goes to another cave in En Gedi. Now, En Gedi is another cave in En Gedi. Now, En Gedi is another cave in En Gedi. Now, En Gedi is the second cave that he's lived in. I the second cave that he's lived in. I the second cave that he's lived in. I mean, someone would ask David, you mean, someone would ask David, you mean, someone would ask David, you literally you made a lateral move from literally you made a lateral move from literally you made a lateral move from one cave to another cave? one cave to another cave? one cave to another cave? I mean, what is going on? You're just I mean, what is going on? You're just I mean, what is going on? You're just living from cave to cave? So, the cave living from cave to cave? So, the cave living from cave to cave? So, the cave that we were we were in last week was that we were we were in last week was that we were we were in last week was the cave in Adullam. That's where he the cave in Adullam. That's where he the cave in Adullam. That's where he prayed Psalm 142. Now, he's in a prayed Psalm 142. Now, he's in a prayed Psalm 142. Now, he's in a different cave. This is En Gedi. I've different cave. This is En Gedi. I've different cave. This is En Gedi. I've been to En Gedi. It is amazingly been to En Gedi. It is amazingly been to En Gedi. It is amazingly beautiful. It's surrounded by desert, beautiful. It's surrounded by desert, beautiful. It's surrounded by desert, but that there's streams and there's a but that there's streams and there's a but that there's streams and there's a forest in between these caves. It's forest in between these caves. It's forest in between these caves. It's insanely awesome. It's so beautiful, but insanely awesome. It's so beautiful, but insanely awesome. It's so beautiful, but it's not as awesome as the palace.

it's not as awesome as the palace. it's not as awesome as the palace. It's not as awesome as where David's It's not as awesome as where David's It's not as awesome as where David's supposed to be. And when I was in En supposed to be. And when I was in En supposed to be. And when I was in En Gedi, it was really amazing to read this Gedi, it was really amazing to read this Gedi, it was really amazing to read this this account that I'm recounting to you this account that I'm recounting to you this account that I'm recounting to you right now and see these caves up on on right now and see these caves up on on right now and see these caves up on on this massive mountain. There's all kinds this massive mountain. There's all kinds this massive mountain. There's all kinds of caves. And David I was there. I'm of caves. And David I was there. I'm of caves. And David I was there. I'm like, David lived in one of these caves. like, David lived in one of these caves. like, David lived in one of these caves. David prayed some of the Psalms from David prayed some of the Psalms from David prayed some of the Psalms from these caves. these caves. these caves. In fact, when you get to 1 Samuel 24, In fact, when you get to 1 Samuel 24, In fact, when you get to 1 Samuel 24, you see that David is in En Gedi and in you see that David is in En Gedi and in you see that David is in En Gedi and in this this crazy account takes place. this this crazy account takes place. this this crazy account takes place. Saul, who's trying to ruin his life, Saul, who's trying to ruin his life, Saul, who's trying to ruin his life, who's chasing him, goes into the very who's chasing him, goes into the very who's chasing him, goes into the very cave that David's in, but Saul doesn't cave that David's in, but Saul doesn't cave that David's in, but Saul doesn't know that David's in there. Saul goes know that David's in there. Saul goes know that David's in there. Saul goes into that cave to, according to the into that cave to, according to the into that cave to, according to the scripture, to relieve himself. scripture, to relieve himself. scripture, to relieve himself. He goes to use the restroom in the cave He goes to use the restroom in the cave He goes to use the restroom in the cave that that David is in. Now, he goes to that that David is in. Now, he goes to that that David is in. Now, he goes to use the restroom that is not that's the use the restroom that is not that's the use the restroom that is not that's the longer kind of restroom break because he longer kind of restroom break because he longer kind of restroom break because he disrobes. Now, if you think the Bible is disrobes. Now, if you think the Bible is disrobes. Now, if you think the Bible is boring, it's because you haven't read boring, it's because you haven't read boring, it's because you haven't read the Bible. This is crazy, this account. the Bible. This is crazy, this account. the Bible. This is crazy, this account. And so, Saul disrobes, he's using the And so, Saul disrobes, he's using the And so, Saul disrobes, he's using the restroom, David comes up behind him and restroom, David comes up behind him and restroom, David comes up behind him and cuts a piece of his robe. David's men cuts a piece of his robe. David's men cuts a piece of his robe. David's men are like men are like, this is crazy.

are like men are like, this is crazy. are like men are like, this is crazy. David, you can take him right now. You David, you can take him right now. You David, you can take him right now. You can kill him right now and we can talk can kill him right now and we can talk can kill him right now and we can talk smack. What an epic ending to Saul right smack. What an epic ending to Saul right smack. What an epic ending to Saul right here while he's using the bathroom. But here while he's using the bathroom. But here while he's using the bathroom. But David doesn't want to do that because he David doesn't want to do that because he David doesn't want to do that because he trusts the sovereignty of God that at trusts the sovereignty of God that at trusts the sovereignty of God that at least at this place Saul is supposed to least at this place Saul is supposed to least at this place Saul is supposed to be the king even though Saul's trying to be the king even though Saul's trying to be the king even though Saul's trying to ruin David. Saul finishes using the ruin David. Saul finishes using the ruin David. Saul finishes using the restroom. He has no idea that David's restroom. He has no idea that David's restroom. He has no idea that David's cut a portion of his robe. Saul leaves cut a portion of his robe. Saul leaves cut a portion of his robe. Saul leaves the cave. The scripture says that David the cave. The scripture says that David the cave. The scripture says that David then goes after him and calls out to him then goes after him and calls out to him then goes after him and calls out to him and says, "Saul, look, look, I took a and says, "Saul, look, look, I took a and says, "Saul, look, look, I took a portion of your robe. Why are you trying portion of your robe. Why are you trying portion of your robe. Why are you trying to hunt me down? I won't harm you to hunt me down? I won't harm you to hunt me down? I won't harm you because the Lord has put you in your because the Lord has put you in your because the Lord has put you in your place, but why are you trying to ruin place, but why are you trying to ruin place, but why are you trying to ruin me?" Saul weeps in that moment. He knows me?" Saul weeps in that moment. He knows me?" Saul weeps in that moment. He knows that David is one day going to be king. that David is one day going to be king. that David is one day going to be king. That's in 1 Samuel 24. He goes from that That's in 1 Samuel 24. He goes from that That's in 1 Samuel 24. He goes from that cave back to Ziph. Then he goes to Ziph cave back to Ziph. Then he goes to Ziph cave back to Ziph. Then he goes to Ziph back to Gath. He's just constantly on back to Gath. He's just constantly on back to Gath. He's just constantly on the run. And in Ziph he he believed, "I the run. And in Ziph he he believed, "I the run. And in Ziph he he believed, "I I've got to get out of here because Saul I've got to get out of here because Saul I've got to get out of here because Saul is not going to stop until I'm dead." is not going to stop until I'm dead." is not going to stop until I'm dead." And so that's when he goes to Gath and And so that's when he goes to Gath and And so that's when he goes to Gath and the king of Gath. This is the same place the king of Gath. This is the same place the king of Gath. This is the same place that he had pretended years ago to be that he had pretended years ago to be that he had pretended years ago to be crazy for the king to send him away.

crazy for the king to send him away. crazy for the king to send him away. This time he goes back to Gath and the This time he goes back to Gath and the This time he goes back to Gath and the king gives him a city for David and his king gives him a city for David and his king gives him a city for David and his men to live in. And the city's name is men to live in. And the city's name is men to live in. And the city's name is Ziklag, which sounds like acne cream. Ziklag, which sounds like acne cream. Ziklag, which sounds like acne cream. But that is the city that But that is the city that But that is the city that the king of Gath gave to David and his the king of Gath gave to David and his the king of Gath gave to David and his men to live in. He feels at this moment men to live in. He feels at this moment men to live in. He feels at this moment so far away from the promise that God so far away from the promise that God so far away from the promise that God has given him given him that he's going has given him given him that he's going has given him given him that he's going to be the king to be the king to be the king over the entire people of God in the over the entire people of God in the over the entire people of God in the land of Israel. So far. Now, land of Israel. So far. Now, land of Israel. So far. Now, do you think he would wrestle with do you think he would wrestle with do you think he would wrestle with anxiousness if that was your life? anxiousness if that was your life? anxiousness if that was your life? David's wrestling. David's wrestling. David's wrestling. He's got reasons to be filled with He's got reasons to be filled with He's got reasons to be filled with anxiousness. So scholars believe anxiousness. So scholars believe anxiousness. So scholars believe somewhere along that journey somewhere along that journey somewhere along that journey is where he prayed Psalm 13. is where he prayed Psalm 13. is where he prayed Psalm 13. Somewhere in that map. Now, I'm not Somewhere in that map. Now, I'm not Somewhere in that map. Now, I'm not expecting you to remember all of those expecting you to remember all of those expecting you to remember all of those locations. I have a hard time locations. I have a hard time locations. I have a hard time remembering all of those locations and remembering all of those locations and remembering all of those locations and I'm not even sure I pronounced them all I'm not even sure I pronounced them all I'm not even sure I pronounced them all correctly, correctly, correctly, but I want us to know, "Wow, David gets but I want us to know, "Wow, David gets but I want us to know, "Wow, David gets what it means to be filled with what it means to be filled with what it means to be filled with anxiousness. And so this is the prayer anxiousness. And so this is the prayer anxiousness. And so this is the prayer that he prayed, Psalm 13, somewhere that he prayed, Psalm 13, somewhere that he prayed, Psalm 13, somewhere along that journey. This is God's word.

along that journey. This is God's word. along that journey. This is God's word. How long, Lord, will you forget me How long, Lord, will you forget me How long, Lord, will you forget me forever? forever? forever? How long will you hide your face from How long will you hide your face from How long will you hide your face from me? me? me? How long will I store up anxious How long will I store up anxious How long will I store up anxious concerns within me? Agony in my mind concerns within me? Agony in my mind concerns within me? Agony in my mind every day. every day. every day. How long will my enemy dominate me? How long will my enemy dominate me? How long will my enemy dominate me? Consider me Consider me Consider me and answer me, Lord my God. Restore and answer me, Lord my God. Restore and answer me, Lord my God. Restore brightness to my eyes, otherwise I will brightness to my eyes, otherwise I will brightness to my eyes, otherwise I will sleep in death. sleep in death. sleep in death. My enemy will say I've triumphed over My enemy will say I've triumphed over My enemy will say I've triumphed over him and my foes will rejoice because I him and my foes will rejoice because I him and my foes will rejoice because I am shaken. am shaken. am shaken. But I have trusted in your faithful But I have trusted in your faithful But I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your love. My heart will rejoice in your love. My heart will rejoice in your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord deliverance. I will sing to the Lord deliverance. I will sing to the Lord because he has treated me generously. because he has treated me generously. because he has treated me generously. This is God's word. This is God's word. This is God's word. What do you do when life doesn't make What do you do when life doesn't make What do you do when life doesn't make sense and you are overwhelmed with sense and you are overwhelmed with sense and you are overwhelmed with anxiousness? anxiousness? anxiousness? I want to give you two thoughts from I want to give you two thoughts from I want to give you two thoughts from this text. We can learn what David did this text. We can learn what David did this text. We can learn what David did in a season of anxiety, in a season in a season of anxiety, in a season in a season of anxiety, in a season where he says that he has agonizing where he says that he has agonizing where he says that he has agonizing thoughts all day, these anxious concerns thoughts all day, these anxious concerns thoughts all day, these anxious concerns deep within him. You're going to see two deep within him. You're going to see two deep within him. You're going to see two thoughts that I believe are clear from thoughts that I believe are clear from thoughts that I believe are clear from this text. Number one, tell your God this text. Number one, tell your God this text. Number one, tell your God the truth about your thoughts.

the truth about your thoughts. the truth about your thoughts. Bring all of your anxious thoughts, the Bring all of your anxious thoughts, the Bring all of your anxious thoughts, the truth of those, to God. Tell your God truth of those, to God. Tell your God truth of those, to God. Tell your God the truth about your thoughts. I want to the truth about your thoughts. I want to the truth about your thoughts. I want to show you how David does this. show you how David does this. show you how David does this. Notice, four times he says, "How long? Notice, four times he says, "How long? Notice, four times he says, "How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? How long? God, how long God, how long God, how long is this going to last? is this going to last? is this going to last? How long is this trial going to be? How How long is this trial going to be? How How long is this trial going to be? How long am I going to deal with this long am I going to deal with this long am I going to deal with this struggle? How long am I going to be struggle? How long am I going to be struggle? How long am I going to be filled with this anxiety? He's bringing filled with this anxiety? He's bringing filled with this anxiety? He's bringing this struggle before God and he this this struggle before God and he this this struggle before God and he this part of the struggle is he just doesn't part of the struggle is he just doesn't part of the struggle is he just doesn't know how long it's going to be. know how long it's going to be. know how long it's going to be. When I am on a airplane flight and the When I am on a airplane flight and the When I am on a airplane flight and the flight attendants are told to have a flight attendants are told to have a flight attendants are told to have a seat because the pilot says we're coming seat because the pilot says we're coming seat because the pilot says we're coming into some turbulence and the and the into some turbulence and the and the into some turbulence and the and the pilot says this. I think this is pilot says this. I think this is pilot says this. I think this is incredibly gracious when the pilot says, incredibly gracious when the pilot says, incredibly gracious when the pilot says, "I'm looking at the map, the radar, and "I'm looking at the map, the radar, and "I'm looking at the map, the radar, and I'm talking to air traffic control. We I'm talking to air traffic control. We I'm talking to air traffic control. We are going to be going through some chop are going to be going through some chop are going to be going through some chop over the next 12 to 15 minutes. So, I'm over the next 12 to 15 minutes. So, I'm over the next 12 to 15 minutes. So, I'm asking the flight attendants to take a asking the flight attendants to take a asking the flight attendants to take a seat. We are going to expect some seat. We are going to expect some seat. We are going to expect some turbulence for the next 12 to 15 turbulence for the next 12 to 15 turbulence for the next 12 to 15 minutes."

minutes." minutes." I appreciate that. I know exactly how I appreciate that. I know exactly how I appreciate that. I know exactly how long. I'm looking at my computer and I long. I'm looking at my computer and I long. I'm looking at my computer and I can say, "Okay, just suck it up for this can say, "Okay, just suck it up for this can say, "Okay, just suck it up for this amount of time because in 15 minutes we amount of time because in 15 minutes we amount of time because in 15 minutes we should be through this." I'm so thankful should be through this." I'm so thankful should be through this." I'm so thankful when the pilot does that. The knowing when the pilot does that. The knowing when the pilot does that. The knowing how long it's going to be makes it more how long it's going to be makes it more how long it's going to be makes it more endurable. endurable. endurable. I have fallen in love, as you know, with I have fallen in love, as you know, with I have fallen in love, as you know, with mountain biking here in Southern mountain biking here in Southern mountain biking here in Southern California and there's a trail in the California and there's a trail in the California and there's a trail in the Laguna Canyon right off Laguna Laguna Laguna Canyon right off Laguna Laguna Laguna Canyon right off Laguna Laguna Beach and it's called Three B's and it's Beach and it's called Three B's and it's Beach and it's called Three B's and it's a tough trail and and first time I went a tough trail and and first time I went a tough trail and and first time I went with some guys, I said, "It's it's Three with some guys, I said, "It's it's Three with some guys, I said, "It's it's Three B's. What does that stand for? Three B's. What does that stand for? Three B's. What does that stand for? Three baddies?" baddies?" baddies?" And they didn't they didn't answer me. And they didn't they didn't answer me. And they didn't they didn't answer me. Evidently, it stands for something else, Evidently, it stands for something else, Evidently, it stands for something else, but whatever. And so, I first time that but whatever. And so, I first time that but whatever. And so, I first time that I went over that trail, I didn't know I went over that trail, I didn't know I went over that trail, I didn't know how long it was going to be and it it how long it was going to be and it it how long it was going to be and it it was so miserable cuz when is it going to was so miserable cuz when is it going to was so miserable cuz when is it going to end? Now, I do the trail all the time end? Now, I do the trail all the time end? Now, I do the trail all the time and it's much more bearable cuz I know and it's much more bearable cuz I know and it's much more bearable cuz I know just how long the trail or the trial is. just how long the trail or the trial is. just how long the trail or the trial is. One of the reasons that some of you are One of the reasons that some of you are One of the reasons that some of you are in such pain right now is the trial or in such pain right now is the trial or in such pain right now is the trial or the anxiousness anxiousness feels like the anxiousness anxiousness feels like the anxiousness anxiousness feels like there's no end to it. David knows there's no end to it. David knows there's no end to it. David knows exactly what you are wrestling with. He exactly what you are wrestling with. He exactly what you are wrestling with. He says, "How long is this going to be?

says, "How long is this going to be? says, "How long is this going to be? Guys, is it really going to continue to Guys, is it really going to continue to Guys, is it really going to continue to last? I see no end in sight." last? I see no end in sight." last? I see no end in sight." I want you to see the totality of his I want you to see the totality of his I want you to see the totality of his pain. pain. pain. How long, Lord? So, he addresses God, How long, Lord? So, he addresses God, How long, Lord? So, he addresses God, "Will you forget me forever? "Will you forget me forever? "Will you forget me forever? God, it it seems as if you have God, it it seems as if you have God, it it seems as if you have forgotten me and you've even you've forgotten me and you've even you've forgotten me and you've even you've hidden your face from me. I know you're hidden your face from me. I know you're hidden your face from me. I know you're real, God. I know that you are true, but real, God. I know that you are true, but real, God. I know that you are true, but it seems to me in this moment that I I it seems to me in this moment that I I it seems to me in this moment that I I can't find you in the midst of this can't find you in the midst of this can't find you in the midst of this trial. It seems in the moment that trial. It seems in the moment that trial. It seems in the moment that you've hidden yourself from me in the you've hidden yourself from me in the you've hidden yourself from me in the middle of my anxiousness. So, he middle of my anxiousness. So, he middle of my anxiousness. So, he addresses the the Lord. So, the part of addresses the the Lord. So, the part of addresses the the Lord. So, the part of his struggle is I don't know where God his struggle is I don't know where God his struggle is I don't know where God is in the middle of my challenge, but is in the middle of my challenge, but is in the middle of my challenge, but you notice he also talks about himself. you notice he also talks about himself. you notice he also talks about himself. Part of his struggle is himself. How Part of his struggle is himself. How Part of his struggle is himself. How long will I store up these anxious long will I store up these anxious long will I store up these anxious concerns within me? The There's agony in concerns within me? The There's agony in concerns within me? The There's agony in my mind. I mean, this is a description my mind. I mean, this is a description my mind. I mean, this is a description of anxiousness, some say even of anxiousness, some say even of anxiousness, some say even depression, because he's going to ask depression, because he's going to ask depression, because he's going to ask God to lighten his eyes once again, that God to lighten his eyes once again, that God to lighten his eyes once again, that the darkness of his soul is so the darkness of his soul is so the darkness of his soul is so overwhelming. So, he's struggling with overwhelming. So, he's struggling with overwhelming. So, he's struggling with why is the Lord hide his face, but why why is the Lord hide his face, but why why is the Lord hide his face, but why do I have these concerns deep within me?

do I have these concerns deep within me? do I have these concerns deep within me? But notice he also talks about his But notice he also talks about his But notice he also talks about his enemy. enemy. enemy. So, I'm struggling with God being So, I'm struggling with God being So, I'm struggling with God being seeming distant from me. I know I know seeming distant from me. I know I know seeming distant from me. I know I know you're there. I know you're real, but it you're there. I know you're real, but it you're there. I know you're real, but it seems like you forgot me. I'm struggling seems like you forgot me. I'm struggling seems like you forgot me. I'm struggling with myself, with myself, with myself, and I'm struggling with my enemy. How and I'm struggling with my enemy. How and I'm struggling with my enemy. How long will my enemy dominate me? long will my enemy dominate me? long will my enemy dominate me? And so, here is And so, here is And so, here is David being honest about how he's David being honest about how he's David being honest about how he's thinking. He brings his honest thoughts thinking. He brings his honest thoughts thinking. He brings his honest thoughts to his God. He tells his God about his to his God. He tells his God about his to his God. He tells his God about his thoughts. thoughts. thoughts. Now, some would say, "Wow, is this a Now, some would say, "Wow, is this a Now, some would say, "Wow, is this a lack of faith in David?" No, actually, lack of faith in David?" No, actually, lack of faith in David?" No, actually, this is David showing great faith. If this is David showing great faith. If this is David showing great faith. If you are struggling, you show great faith you are struggling, you show great faith you are struggling, you show great faith if you bring your struggles to God. if you bring your struggles to God. if you bring your struggles to God. If you bring your struggles to God, you If you bring your struggles to God, you If you bring your struggles to God, you you are saying, "God, I'm I'm wrestling you are saying, "God, I'm I'm wrestling you are saying, "God, I'm I'm wrestling with this, and I need your help in with this, and I need your help in with this, and I need your help in this." But I do want you to notice that this." But I do want you to notice that this." But I do want you to notice that this is not the end of the prayer, and this is not the end of the prayer, and this is not the end of the prayer, and this shouldn't be the end of your prayer this shouldn't be the end of your prayer this shouldn't be the end of your prayer and the end of my prayer. In the the of and the end of my prayer. In the the of and the end of my prayer. In the the of struggles, the end of our prayers should struggles, the end of our prayers should struggles, the end of our prayers should not be just lamenting how long, how not be just lamenting how long, how not be just lamenting how long, how long, how long. Notice that David long, how long. Notice that David long, how long. Notice that David continues to pray, and I want you to see continues to pray, and I want you to see continues to pray, and I want you to see what he prays for.

what he prays for. what he prays for. So, he shares his struggle. So, he shares his struggle. So, he shares his struggle. He's bringing He's bringing He's bringing his thoughts to God. He's telling his his thoughts to God. He's telling his his thoughts to God. He's telling his God about the truth of his thoughts, but God about the truth of his thoughts, but God about the truth of his thoughts, but notice what he prays. He actually prays notice what he prays. He actually prays notice what he prays. He actually prays three things. You can see it. Consider three things. You can see it. Consider three things. You can see it. Consider me, me, me, answer, answer, answer, and restore. and restore. and restore. God, would you consider me? God, would you consider me? God, would you consider me? Would you please remember your son, Would you please remember your son, Would you please remember your son, remember your daughter? remember your daughter? remember your daughter? Answer me, Lord. Now, notice what he Answer me, Lord. Now, notice what he Answer me, Lord. Now, notice what he calls calls calls He's Lord, my God. He's Lord, my God. He's Lord, my God. You are the Lord, and you are my Lord. You are the Lord, and you are my Lord. You are the Lord, and you are my Lord. You are the Lord above all, and you are You are the Lord above all, and you are You are the Lord above all, and you are my God. Consider me, answer me, and my God. Consider me, answer me, and my God. Consider me, answer me, and restore brightness to my eyes. This is restore brightness to my eyes. This is restore brightness to my eyes. This is why some scholars say he's actually why some scholars say he's actually why some scholars say he's actually wrestling with depression that he wrestling with depression that he wrestling with depression that he recognizes that he's such in a dark recognizes that he's such in a dark recognizes that he's such in a dark state. Perhaps he saw himself in some state. Perhaps he saw himself in some state. Perhaps he saw himself in some reflection, and he knows that he even reflection, and he knows that he even reflection, and he knows that he even looks different. God, I need you to looks different. God, I need you to looks different. God, I need you to restore brightness to my eyes. So, he's restore brightness to my eyes. So, he's restore brightness to my eyes. So, he's telling telling telling his God his God his God the truth about his thoughts.

the truth about his thoughts. the truth about his thoughts. And this takes great courage and faith And this takes great courage and faith And this takes great courage and faith to bring his thoughts to his God. to bring his thoughts to his God. to bring his thoughts to his God. But that's not all that he does. But that's not all that he does. But that's not all that he does. Number two, Number two, Number two, tell your thoughts the truth about your tell your thoughts the truth about your tell your thoughts the truth about your God. God. God. So, tell your God the truth about your So, tell your God the truth about your So, tell your God the truth about your thoughts, number one, but number two, thoughts, number one, but number two, thoughts, number one, but number two, tell your thoughts the truth about your tell your thoughts the truth about your tell your thoughts the truth about your God. Notice the rest of the Psalm. God. Notice the rest of the Psalm. God. Notice the rest of the Psalm. He says, He says, He says, "I have trusted in your faithful love. My heart will rejoice in your My heart will rejoice in your deliverance. I will sing to the Lord. deliverance. I will sing to the Lord. deliverance. I will sing to the Lord. He's treated me generously. He's He's treated me generously. He's He's treated me generously. He's faithful and he's generous. faithful and he's generous. faithful and he's generous. I will trust in the Lord. Now notice I will trust in the Lord. Now notice I will trust in the Lord. Now notice David is not Nothing's changed in his David is not Nothing's changed in his David is not Nothing's changed in his circumstances when he prays this at the circumstances when he prays this at the circumstances when he prays this at the end of the Psalm. It's not as if Saul end of the Psalm. It's not as if Saul end of the Psalm. It's not as if Saul has died and he said, "Now I trust in has died and he said, "Now I trust in has died and he said, "Now I trust in God's faithful love. Now I know that God's faithful love. Now I know that God's faithful love. Now I know that you're a generous God." Nothing's you're a generous God." Nothing's you're a generous God." Nothing's changed in the circumstance at all. changed in the circumstance at all. changed in the circumstance at all. He's saying in the middle of my He's saying in the middle of my He's saying in the middle of my circumstance, I'm going to remember your circumstance, I'm going to remember your circumstance, I'm going to remember your faithful love. In the middle of this faithful love. In the middle of this faithful love. In the middle of this challenging situation, I'm going to challenging situation, I'm going to challenging situation, I'm going to remember that you were the one who is my remember that you were the one who is my remember that you were the one who is my God. In the middle of this pain, I am God. In the middle of this pain, I am God. In the middle of this pain, I am going to sing. I'm not going to wait going to sing. I'm not going to wait going to sing. I'm not going to wait till the other side of the pain to sing.

till the other side of the pain to sing. till the other side of the pain to sing. I'm going to sing my way through the I'm going to sing my way through the I'm going to sing my way through the pain. I'm going to worship my way pain. I'm going to worship my way pain. I'm going to worship my way through this trial. through this trial. through this trial. He says, "I'm bringing all of my He says, "I'm bringing all of my He says, "I'm bringing all of my thoughts to you and I'm I'm telling my thoughts to you and I'm I'm telling my thoughts to you and I'm I'm telling my thoughts the truth about you." thoughts the truth about you." thoughts the truth about you." So you tell your thoughts the truth So you tell your thoughts the truth So you tell your thoughts the truth about your God. This is what David is about your God. This is what David is about your God. This is what David is saying to his thoughts that God has this saying to his thoughts that God has this saying to his thoughts that God has this hesed love for me. This word hesed is hesed love for me. This word hesed is hesed love for me. This word hesed is this word this word this word faithful love right here. This is really faithful love right here. This is really faithful love right here. This is really an important word in scripture. Faithful an important word in scripture. Faithful an important word in scripture. Faithful love is in the original language, the love is in the original language, the love is in the original language, the Hebrew word hesed. Now, it's translated Hebrew word hesed. Now, it's translated Hebrew word hesed. Now, it's translated more than it's it's in the the scripture more than it's it's in the the scripture more than it's it's in the the scripture in the Old Testament more than 200 times in the Old Testament more than 200 times in the Old Testament more than 200 times and it's translated a whole lot of and it's translated a whole lot of and it's translated a whole lot of different ways because we don't have one different ways because we don't have one different ways because we don't have one word that captures the majesty of hesed word that captures the majesty of hesed word that captures the majesty of hesed of faithful love. I mean, think about of faithful love. I mean, think about of faithful love. I mean, think about it. In our language, we use the word it. In our language, we use the word it. In our language, we use the word love just in a very trite way. I love my love just in a very trite way. I love my love just in a very trite way. I love my dog. I love pizza. I love my wife. I dog. I love pizza. I love my wife. I dog. I love pizza. I love my wife. I love college football season. We will love college football season. We will love college football season. We will say the word love for anything. But say the word love for anything. But say the word love for anything. But hesed is not that. It is not a casual hesed is not that. It is not a casual hesed is not that. It is not a casual It's not a casual way to use the word It's not a casual way to use the word It's not a casual way to use the word love. It is not a trite version of love.

love. It is not a trite version of love. love. It is not a trite version of love. Hesed is this faithful love, this mercy Hesed is this faithful love, this mercy Hesed is this faithful love, this mercy and unending compassion. In fact, and unending compassion. In fact, and unending compassion. In fact, translators when they translate the word translators when they translate the word translators when they translate the word hesed throughout the Old Testament, hesed throughout the Old Testament, hesed throughout the Old Testament, here's all the different words they are here's all the different words they are here's all the different words they are used: love, mercy, kindness, loving used: love, mercy, kindness, loving used: love, mercy, kindness, loving kindness, goodness, loyal and love, kindness, goodness, loyal and love, kindness, goodness, loyal and love, unfailing love, covenant of love, unfailing love, covenant of love, unfailing love, covenant of love, unfailing kindness, devotion, steadfast unfailing kindness, devotion, steadfast unfailing kindness, devotion, steadfast love. And the translation we're reading love. And the translation we're reading love. And the translation we're reading right now, faithful love, covenant right now, faithful love, covenant right now, faithful love, covenant loyalty, gracious covenant, covenant loyalty, gracious covenant, covenant loyalty, gracious covenant, covenant friendship, marvelous love, loyal mercy, friendship, marvelous love, loyal mercy, friendship, marvelous love, loyal mercy, favor. David tells his thoughts the favor. David tells his thoughts the favor. David tells his thoughts the truth about his God. And he's telling truth about his God. And he's telling truth about his God. And he's telling his thoughts, here's the truth about my his thoughts, here's the truth about my his thoughts, here's the truth about my God. My God is hesed, and he deals very God. My God is hesed, and he deals very God. My God is hesed, and he deals very generously with me. generously with me. generously with me. Michael Card is a musician and also an Michael Card is a musician and also an Michael Card is a musician and also an author. He wrote a whole book about this author. He wrote a whole book about this author. He wrote a whole book about this one word hesed. one word hesed. one word hesed. He says this word is so challenging to He says this word is so challenging to He says this word is so challenging to translate, it's filled with such translate, it's filled with such translate, it's filled with such majesty. And after studying every majesty. And after studying every majesty. And after studying every instance of the word hesed in the Old instance of the word hesed in the Old instance of the word hesed in the Old Testament, here was his conclusion. Testament, here was his conclusion. Testament, here was his conclusion. Here's his definition, Michael Card's Here's his definition, Michael Card's Here's his definition, Michael Card's definition. When the person from whom I definition. When the person from whom I definition. When the person from whom I have a right to expect nothing have a right to expect nothing have a right to expect nothing gives me everything.

gives me everything. gives me everything. When the person When the person When the person who I have the right to expect nothing who I have the right to expect nothing who I have the right to expect nothing gives me everything. gives me everything. gives me everything. God has hesed, faithful love for you. God has hesed, faithful love for you. God has hesed, faithful love for you. David recognizes this, and he he brings David recognizes this, and he he brings David recognizes this, and he he brings the truth of God's hesed love to his the truth of God's hesed love to his the truth of God's hesed love to his thoughts. He tells his thoughts that God thoughts. He tells his thoughts that God thoughts. He tells his thoughts that God is faithful love, and God has faithful is faithful love, and God has faithful is faithful love, and God has faithful love for you. We have a right to expect love for you. We have a right to expect love for you. We have a right to expect nothing from God because all of us have nothing from God because all of us have nothing from God because all of us have wandered away from him. All of us have wandered away from him. All of us have wandered away from him. All of us have made something else the most important made something else the most important made something else the most important thing in our life other than God. All of thing in our life other than God. All of thing in our life other than God. All of us have dethroned God as the king in our us have dethroned God as the king in our us have dethroned God as the king in our lives and given something else the lives and given something else the lives and given something else the throne in our lives. We've taken the throne in our lives. We've taken the throne in our lives. We've taken the crown off of God in our own lives. He crown off of God in our own lives. He crown off of God in our own lives. He always has the crown, but we've taken always has the crown, but we've taken always has the crown, but we've taken the crown off of the everlasting King of the crown off of the everlasting King of the crown off of the everlasting King of kings and Lord of lords in our lives, kings and Lord of lords in our lives, kings and Lord of lords in our lives, and we've given something else and we've given something else and we've given something else the crown in our lives. We've pursued the crown in our lives. We've pursued the crown in our lives. We've pursued something else other than God. All of something else other than God. All of something else other than God. All of us, according to the scripture, have us, according to the scripture, have us, according to the scripture, have fallen short of the majesty and glory of fallen short of the majesty and glory of fallen short of the majesty and glory of God. All of us have sinned. We have God. All of us have sinned. We have God. All of us have sinned. We have rebelled against this holy gracious God rebelled against this holy gracious God rebelled against this holy gracious God who's only been loving and good to us.

who's only been loving and good to us. who's only been loving and good to us. And so we have a right to expect nothing And so we have a right to expect nothing And so we have a right to expect nothing from him because we all turned our backs from him because we all turned our backs from him because we all turned our backs on him. Yet the one who we have the on him. Yet the one who we have the on him. Yet the one who we have the right to expect nothing from gives us right to expect nothing from gives us right to expect nothing from gives us everything. everything. everything. He has hesed love for you. He gives you He has hesed love for you. He gives you He has hesed love for you. He gives you his grace, his mercy, his forgiveness. his grace, his mercy, his forgiveness. his grace, his mercy, his forgiveness. He gives you everlasting life. He gives He gives you everlasting life. He gives He gives you everlasting life. He gives you everything. you everything. you everything. David David David in this Psalm in this Psalm in this Psalm experiences this disorienting feeling of experiences this disorienting feeling of experiences this disorienting feeling of God, it feels as if you've turned your God, it feels as if you've turned your God, it feels as if you've turned your back on me. How long, he says, will you back on me. How long, he says, will you back on me. How long, he says, will you hide your face from me? God has such hide your face from me? God has such hide your face from me? God has such hesed love for you that God the Son, hesed love for you that God the Son, hesed love for you that God the Son, Jesus the Christ, entered this world for Jesus the Christ, entered this world for Jesus the Christ, entered this world for you. He stepped into your pain, into you. He stepped into your pain, into you. He stepped into your pain, into your struggle. He entered this world, he your struggle. He entered this world, he your struggle. He entered this world, he put on human skin. He lived perfectly on put on human skin. He lived perfectly on put on human skin. He lived perfectly on our behalf. He went to the cross to die our behalf. He went to the cross to die our behalf. He went to the cross to die for us. And for 6 hours on a Friday as for us. And for 6 hours on a Friday as for us. And for 6 hours on a Friday as he was crucified he experienced the very he was crucified he experienced the very he was crucified he experienced the very thing that David is praying in this thing that David is praying in this thing that David is praying in this Psalm as he prayed to the Father, why Psalm as he prayed to the Father, why Psalm as he prayed to the Father, why have you forsaken me? Because in that have you forsaken me? Because in that have you forsaken me? Because in that moment all of our sin and our shame was moment all of our sin and our shame was moment all of our sin and our shame was placed on him so that he could absorb in placed on him so that he could absorb in placed on him so that he could absorb in his flesh the punishment that was due us his flesh the punishment that was due us his flesh the punishment that was due us so that he could give us what we don't so that he could give us what we don't so that he could give us what we don't deserve, that he could give us all of deserve, that he could give us all of deserve, that he could give us all of his forgiveness, all of his mercy, all his forgiveness, all of his mercy, all his forgiveness, all of his mercy, all of his grace. The one who we have no of his grace. The one who we have no of his grace. The one who we have no right to expect anything from because we right to expect anything from because we right to expect anything from because we spat in his face and went our own way.

spat in his face and went our own way. spat in his face and went our own way. That gracious one has given us That gracious one has given us That gracious one has given us everything. He has hesed love for you. everything. He has hesed love for you. everything. He has hesed love for you. So what David is doing in this moment as So what David is doing in this moment as So what David is doing in this moment as he's pouring out his heart before God is he's pouring out his heart before God is he's pouring out his heart before God is yes, he told God the truth about it his yes, he told God the truth about it his yes, he told God the truth about it his thoughts, God I I feel this way, I'm thoughts, God I I feel this way, I'm thoughts, God I I feel this way, I'm telling you the truth about my thoughts. telling you the truth about my thoughts. telling you the truth about my thoughts. But then he also turned around and told But then he also turned around and told But then he also turned around and told his thoughts the truth about his God. My his thoughts the truth about his God. My his thoughts the truth about his God. My God is filled with hesed, with faithful God is filled with hesed, with faithful God is filled with hesed, with faithful love, and my God has treated me love, and my God has treated me love, and my God has treated me generously. generously. generously. David knows in this moment that his David knows in this moment that his David knows in this moment that his feelings, though they are true, they feelings, though they are true, they feelings, though they are true, they aren't ultimate. aren't ultimate. aren't ultimate. They aren't the ultimate reality. And so They aren't the ultimate reality. And so They aren't the ultimate reality. And so he tells his feelings the truth about he tells his feelings the truth about he tells his feelings the truth about the ultimate reality, which is his God. the ultimate reality, which is his God. the ultimate reality, which is his God. He has reasons to be anxious. You have He has reasons to be anxious. You have He has reasons to be anxious. You have reasons in life many times to be filled reasons in life many times to be filled reasons in life many times to be filled with anxiety. David lists those reasons with anxiety. David lists those reasons with anxiety. David lists those reasons before God, but he doesn't stop at the before God, but he doesn't stop at the before God, but he doesn't stop at the reasons. He then tells his thoughts, he reasons. He then tells his thoughts, he reasons. He then tells his thoughts, he tells his mind, "No, my God is dealing tells his mind, "No, my God is dealing tells his mind, "No, my God is dealing generously with generously with me. My generously with generously with me. My generously with generously with me. My God is filled with faithful love." He God is filled with faithful love." He God is filled with faithful love." He doesn't allow his mind to just spiral.

doesn't allow his mind to just spiral. doesn't allow his mind to just spiral. He tells his thoughts the truth of God's He tells his thoughts the truth of God's He tells his thoughts the truth of God's faithful love for him. Martin Lloyd faithful love for him. Martin Lloyd faithful love for him. Martin Lloyd Jones was a pastor who wrestled with Jones was a pastor who wrestled with Jones was a pastor who wrestled with depression. He actually wrote a book depression. He actually wrote a book depression. He actually wrote a book called spiritual depression. And he called spiritual depression. And he called spiritual depression. And he gives some insight on what to do when gives some insight on what to do when gives some insight on what to do when you were overwhelmed with anxiousness or you were overwhelmed with anxiousness or you were overwhelmed with anxiousness or depression. He wrote this, depression. He wrote this, depression. He wrote this, "Have you realized that most of your "Have you realized that most of your "Have you realized that most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact unhappiness in life is due to the fact unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself that you are listening to yourself that you are listening to yourself instead of talking to yourself? instead of talking to yourself? instead of talking to yourself? The main art in the matter of spiritual The main art in the matter of spiritual The main art in the matter of spiritual living is to know how to handle living is to know how to handle living is to know how to handle yourself. You have to take yourself in yourself. You have to take yourself in yourself. You have to take yourself in hand, you have to address yourself, hand, you have to address yourself, hand, you have to address yourself, preach to yourself." Martin Lloyd Jones preach to yourself." Martin Lloyd Jones preach to yourself." Martin Lloyd Jones says the same thing that David is says the same thing that David is says the same thing that David is saying, "I'm going to tell my thoughts saying, "I'm going to tell my thoughts saying, "I'm going to tell my thoughts the truth about my God." the truth about my God." the truth about my God." This passage, Psalm 13, is an important This passage, Psalm 13, is an important This passage, Psalm 13, is an important passage for our family because this is a passage for our family because this is a passage for our family because this is a passage that God used in my wife's life passage that God used in my wife's life passage that God used in my wife's life when she was really struggling with when she was really struggling with when she was really struggling with being overwhelmed with sadness after the being overwhelmed with sadness after the being overwhelmed with sadness after the loss of her dad. loss of her dad. loss of her dad. When her father passed away, she she When her father passed away, she she When her father passed away, she she stopped reading the Bible for a season.

stopped reading the Bible for a season. stopped reading the Bible for a season. She believed in Jesus still, was a She believed in Jesus still, was a She believed in Jesus still, was a follower of Jesus, but she believed that follower of Jesus, but she believed that follower of Jesus, but she believed that if she read the scripture, she would be if she read the scripture, she would be if she read the scripture, she would be filled with joy, and she thought that if filled with joy, and she thought that if filled with joy, and she thought that if she was filled with joy, that would be she was filled with joy, that would be she was filled with joy, that would be dishonoring to her dad because she dishonoring to her dad because she dishonoring to her dad because she shouldn't be filled with joy, she shouldn't be filled with joy, she shouldn't be filled with joy, she believed, because at this point she was believed, because at this point she was believed, because at this point she was grieving the loss of her father and grieving the loss of her father and grieving the loss of her father and didn't want to be filled with joy. So, didn't want to be filled with joy. So, didn't want to be filled with joy. So, she stepped away from reading the she stepped away from reading the she stepped away from reading the scripture, and then one day she saw scripture, and then one day she saw scripture, and then one day she saw herself in the mirror, perhaps like herself in the mirror, perhaps like herself in the mirror, perhaps like David did, and she saw the darkness on David did, and she saw the darkness on David did, and she saw the darkness on her face, and she remembered Psalm 13 her face, and she remembered Psalm 13 her face, and she remembered Psalm 13 that he promises to restore that he promises to restore that he promises to restore the joy to our eyes. the joy to our eyes. the joy to our eyes. And so, she looked at her thoughts, And so, she looked at her thoughts, And so, she looked at her thoughts, which is I'm filled with sadness, and which is I'm filled with sadness, and which is I'm filled with sadness, and she took the truth of God to her she took the truth of God to her she took the truth of God to her thoughts. thoughts. thoughts. The truth being that he's the The truth being that he's the The truth being that he's the everlasting father who brings joy to his everlasting father who brings joy to his everlasting father who brings joy to his sons and his daughters. David, in the sons and his daughters. David, in the sons and his daughters. David, in the middle of his anxiousness, takes the middle of his anxiousness, takes the middle of his anxiousness, takes the truth of God, the hesed faithful love. truth of God, the hesed faithful love. truth of God, the hesed faithful love. This is true, and he applies God's truth This is true, and he applies God's truth This is true, and he applies God's truth to his thoughts. You, in the middle of to his thoughts. You, in the middle of to his thoughts. You, in the middle of anxiousness, you have to tell your anxiousness, you have to tell your anxiousness, you have to tell your thoughts. You have to preach to your thoughts. You have to preach to your thoughts. You have to preach to your thoughts the truth of who God is.

thoughts the truth of who God is. thoughts the truth of who God is. Now, am I saying that this means you Now, am I saying that this means you Now, am I saying that this means you shouldn't seek therapy or counseling or shouldn't seek therapy or counseling or shouldn't seek therapy or counseling or or help or friendships or better rhythms or help or friendships or better rhythms or help or friendships or better rhythms and and healthier rhythms in your life? and and healthier rhythms in your life? and and healthier rhythms in your life? No, do all of that as well, but also No, do all of that as well, but also No, do all of that as well, but also also also also take the truth of God and apply the take the truth of God and apply the take the truth of God and apply the truth to your thoughts. Let me Let me truth to your thoughts. Let me Let me truth to your thoughts. Let me Let me just give you an example of how to do just give you an example of how to do just give you an example of how to do this. this. this. Cuz some of you have some thoughts right Cuz some of you have some thoughts right Cuz some of you have some thoughts right now. now. now. Like David did. Like David did. Like David did. David's a man after God's own heart, and David's a man after God's own heart, and David's a man after God's own heart, and he's struggling. So, if you're he's struggling. So, if you're he's struggling. So, if you're struggling, you're not alone. A man that struggling, you're not alone. A man that struggling, you're not alone. A man that is called in scripture the one that God is called in scripture the one that God is called in scripture the one that God chose because he's a man after God's own chose because he's a man after God's own chose because he's a man after God's own heart, he struggles. So, lots of us heart, he struggles. So, lots of us heart, he struggles. So, lots of us struggle. Some of us struggle more than struggle. Some of us struggle more than struggle. Some of us struggle more than others, but struggling with anxiousness others, but struggling with anxiousness others, but struggling with anxiousness is common to the human experience, and is common to the human experience, and is common to the human experience, and you want to take the truth of God, the you want to take the truth of God, the you want to take the truth of God, the truth of his faithful love to your truth of his faithful love to your truth of his faithful love to your thoughts. Some of you have this thought, thoughts. Some of you have this thought, thoughts. Some of you have this thought, "I won't be able to make ends meet. "I won't be able to make ends meet. "I won't be able to make ends meet. I am struggling right now in this world. I am struggling right now in this world. I am struggling right now in this world. I won't be able to make ends meet. I won't be able to make ends meet. I won't be able to make ends meet. That's your thought. You take God's That's your thought. You take God's That's your thought. You take God's truth truth truth and you tell your thoughts the truth of and you tell your thoughts the truth of and you tell your thoughts the truth of your God. The truth is God will supply your God. The truth is God will supply your God. The truth is God will supply all of my needs according to his riches all of my needs according to his riches all of my needs according to his riches and glory.

and glory. and glory. Some of you have this thought. Some of you have this thought. Some of you have this thought. I'm alone. I'm alone. I'm alone. I've been abandoned. I've been abandoned. I've been abandoned. It feels like no one is with me. David It feels like no one is with me. David It feels like no one is with me. David prayed that. Remember we saw in Psalm prayed that. Remember we saw in Psalm prayed that. Remember we saw in Psalm 142 last week he said, "No one cares for 142 last week he said, "No one cares for 142 last week he said, "No one cares for me. No one stands up for me." Perhaps me. No one stands up for me." Perhaps me. No one stands up for me." Perhaps you have the thought right now that I'm you have the thought right now that I'm you have the thought right now that I'm alone. You need to tell your thoughts alone. You need to tell your thoughts alone. You need to tell your thoughts the truth of your God. The truth of your the truth of your God. The truth of your the truth of your God. The truth of your God because he has faithful love for you God because he has faithful love for you God because he has faithful love for you is that he will never leave you or is that he will never leave you or is that he will never leave you or abandon you. You may think you're alone, abandon you. You may think you're alone, abandon you. You may think you're alone, but the truth is you're never alone but the truth is you're never alone but the truth is you're never alone because he will never leave you. You because he will never leave you. You because he will never leave you. You need to take the truth and preach the need to take the truth and preach the need to take the truth and preach the truth to your thoughts. truth to your thoughts. truth to your thoughts. Some of you have the thought Some of you have the thought Some of you have the thought I'm too weak for this. I'm too weak for this. I'm too weak for this. I I can't imagine going on another day. I I can't imagine going on another day. I I can't imagine going on another day. The truth is this is the word of the The truth is this is the word of the The truth is this is the word of the Lord. Lord. Lord. He says, "My grace is sufficient for He says, "My grace is sufficient for He says, "My grace is sufficient for you. My power is perfected in weakness." you. My power is perfected in weakness." you. My power is perfected in weakness." That right now in this moment where you That right now in this moment where you That right now in this moment where you are weak that is when God will show up are weak that is when God will show up are weak that is when God will show up and be strong. So you preach the truth and be strong. So you preach the truth and be strong. So you preach the truth of God's faithful love to your thoughts.

of God's faithful love to your thoughts. of God's faithful love to your thoughts. You tell your thoughts the truth about You tell your thoughts the truth about You tell your thoughts the truth about your God. Your Your thoughts are saying your God. Your Your thoughts are saying your God. Your Your thoughts are saying you're too weak you're reminding you're too weak you're reminding you're too weak you're reminding yourself, "No, God is with me in my yourself, "No, God is with me in my yourself, "No, God is with me in my weakness. His grace is sufficient for weakness. His grace is sufficient for weakness. His grace is sufficient for me." me." me." Some of you have the thought of I Some of you have the thought of I Some of you have the thought of I cannot carry this. cannot carry this. cannot carry this. I can't carry this any longer. I can't carry this any longer. I can't carry this any longer. The truth is God invites you to cast The truth is God invites you to cast The truth is God invites you to cast your cares on him because he cares for your cares on him because he cares for your cares on him because he cares for you that you don't have to hold it and you that you don't have to hold it and you that you don't have to hold it and carry it alone right now. Cast your care carry it alone right now. Cast your care carry it alone right now. Cast your care to him. Some of you have the thought to him. Some of you have the thought to him. Some of you have the thought that this pain will never subside. Some that this pain will never subside. Some that this pain will never subside. Some of you are in physical pain. Some of you of you are in physical pain. Some of you of you are in physical pain. Some of you are in mental anguish like David was in are in mental anguish like David was in are in mental anguish like David was in the Psalm. the Psalm. the Psalm. The truth is The truth is The truth is the sufferings of this present time are the sufferings of this present time are the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that not worth comparing with the glory that not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. The truth is going to be revealed to us. The truth is going to be revealed to us. The truth is you will not carry this pain forever. is you will not carry this pain forever. is you will not carry this pain forever. That even if you carry this pain in this That even if you carry this pain in this That even if you carry this pain in this life, through the end of this life, to life, through the end of this life, to life, through the end of this life, to the end of your days, you will not carry the end of your days, you will not carry the end of your days, you will not carry this pain throughout all of eternity this pain throughout all of eternity this pain throughout all of eternity because one day Christ is going to make because one day Christ is going to make because one day Christ is going to make everything right and new, and you will everything right and new, and you will everything right and new, and you will not be in pain any longer. He will make not be in pain any longer. He will make not be in pain any longer. He will make everything perfect for the sons and everything perfect for the sons and everything perfect for the sons and daughters of God. This pain will daughters of God. This pain will daughters of God. This pain will subside.

subside. subside. Some of you think Some of you think Some of you think I will never experience joy again. I will never experience joy again. I will never experience joy again. I'm I'm so overwhelmed in grief right I'm I'm so overwhelmed in grief right I'm I'm so overwhelmed in grief right now. I'm so overwhelmed with anxious. now. I'm so overwhelmed with anxious. now. I'm so overwhelmed with anxious. The truth is no, you will experience The truth is no, you will experience The truth is no, you will experience joy. The scripture says he will wipe joy. The scripture says he will wipe joy. The scripture says he will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death away every tear from their eyes. Death away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. Grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Grief, crying, and pain will be no more. Grief, crying, and pain will be no more. There's a time coming will be no more. There's a time coming will be no more. There's a time coming for the sons and daughters of God where for the sons and daughters of God where for the sons and daughters of God where there's only joy for us. there's only joy for us. there's only joy for us. Some of you have the thought that God Some of you have the thought that God Some of you have the thought that God cannot love me because of what I've cannot love me because of what I've cannot love me because of what I've done. done. done. You are overwhelmed with guilt or You are overwhelmed with guilt or You are overwhelmed with guilt or regret, but that is not the truth. Here regret, but that is not the truth. Here regret, but that is not the truth. Here is the truth. You have to apply the is the truth. You have to apply the is the truth. You have to apply the truth of God's faithful hesed love to truth of God's faithful hesed love to truth of God's faithful hesed love to your heart. For I'm convinced that your heart. For I'm convinced that your heart. For I'm convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels neither death nor life, neither angels neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present or the nor demons, neither the present or the nor demons, neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height future, nor any powers, neither height future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all nor depth, nor anything else in all nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us creation will be able to separate us creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ from the love of God that is in Christ from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. You take the truth of Jesus our Lord. You take the truth of Jesus our Lord. You take the truth of God's word, and you bring the truth of God's word, and you bring the truth of God's word, and you bring the truth of God to your thoughts.

God to your thoughts. God to your thoughts. We have people from our team who would We have people from our team who would We have people from our team who would love to pray with you. love to pray with you. love to pray with you. Some of you are in the middle of a Some of you are in the middle of a Some of you are in the middle of a season of anxiousness. season of anxiousness. season of anxiousness. We do not look at you as if you were We do not look at you as if you were We do not look at you as if you were less than less than less than one of our heroes in scripture David one of our heroes in scripture David one of our heroes in scripture David wrestled with anxiety. We would love to wrestled with anxiety. We would love to wrestled with anxiety. We would love to pray with you. pray with you. pray with you. You can text prayer [clears throat] to You can text prayer [clears throat] to You can text prayer [clears throat] to the number on your screen and people the number on your screen and people the number on your screen and people from our team will gather around you and from our team will gather around you and from our team will gather around you and they will pray for you. they will pray for you. they will pray for you. Lord Jesus, I pray that you would use Lord Jesus, I pray that you would use Lord Jesus, I pray that you would use this time when we enter into your this time when we enter into your this time when we enter into your presence and worship to encourage us presence and worship to encourage us presence and worship to encourage us to lift up our eyes to you to lift up our eyes to you to lift up our eyes to you to remind us of your faithful love to to remind us of your faithful love to to remind us of your faithful love to us. us. us. In your name I pray. Amen. Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for Hey, I'm so glad that you joined us for our [music] service today and I hope and our [music] service today and I hope and our [music] service today and I hope and pray that God use this message to pray that God use this message to pray that God use this message to encourage you right where you are. encourage you right where you are. encourage you right where you are. I'd love if you hit the subscribe button I'd love if you hit the subscribe button I'd love if you hit the subscribe button cuz then you could [music] get the next cuz then you could [music] get the next cuz then you could [music] get the next alert for whenever we have services and alert for whenever we have services and alert for whenever we have services and when that we ever offer content here on when that we ever offer content here on when that we ever offer content here on [music] YouTube. So subscribe and join [music] YouTube. So subscribe and join [music] YouTube. So subscribe and join us for Mariners online.