“It is well for us that our salvation and God’s honour are so intimately connected, that they stand or fall together.”
Spurgeon
Big words, right? As I reflect on these words and Psalm 13, I’m struck by their weight. Life is undeniably hard. That’s no secret. Sometimes joy is hard.
People get sick.
Relationships fall apart.
Jobs change.
Life is hard.
Yet, even in the middle of all this, our salvation remains secure. God’s desire is for all to be saved, and in that salvation, He is glorified. This truth reminds us that our salvation doesn’t rest in sickness, worldly relationships, or temporary circumstances. Instead, we can stand in JOY because of who God is.
Walking Through Psalm 13
Take a moment to explore Psalm 13 with me. Christopher Ash beautifully outlines this Psalm into three parts: a long deep sigh, a heartfelt petition, and believing joy (Ash 145). This progression feels like a mirror to how I process life’s challenges. Maybe you too?
A Long Deep Sigh
At the end of a particularly tough day, I often find myself sighing deeply. Like David, I’m asking, “How long, O Lord?”
How long will this hardship last?
How long will I need to be strong?
How long must I endure?
David’s words capture that raw honesty, that cry of the heart we all feel when life’s burdens seem unbearable.
A Heartfelt Petition
Eventually, after the sighs subside, I remind myself of a humbling truth: I am merely a servant. The Lord guides my steps, knows the answers to my “how long” questions, and provides the strength I need to walk in obedience. When I surrender to this reality, my prayers shift. They become less about my complaints and more about seeking the Lord and His direction.
Believing Joy
Finally, when my fears and doubts find their proper place—at the foot of the cross—I can experience “believing joy.” As David declares:
But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
Psalm 13:5, ESV
Believing joy isn’t easy. Trust isn’t easy. Sometimes, trust requires an active choice, especially when we don’t feel it. Yet, when we cling to the truth of God’s steadfast love, we find the strength to move forward.
Choosing Joy in the Hard Days
The hard days will still come. The sighs may stretch into weeks or months. But we are not left without hope. Scripture, like Psalm 13, serves as a guide to lead us from lament to joy.
May we all choose to walk in that joy. May we remember where our salvation comes from. After all, our salvation is tied to God’s honor, and He will not let his children fall.
References:
Ash, Christopher. The Psalms: A Christ-Centered Commentary (4-Volume Set). vol. 2, Crossway, 2024. 4 vols.
Spurgeon, Charles. “The Treasury of David.” The Spurgeon Archive, 2001, http://www.romans45.org/spurgeon/treasury/ps013.htm. Accessed January 24, 2025.
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