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Broken, Genuine, or Superficial: A Printable Study through Psalm Six
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“Return O’ LORD, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake! Psalm 6:4
READ PSALM 6: 1-10
Do you see a broken man in this Psalm? It would appear that David had enough – ever feel this way? Sometimes we equate the depth of our faith in God with how we handle our circumstances.
The voice of the enemy can come our way and speak lies to us. Lies that say “look at you, you call yourself a Christian?” Where’s your faith?” “If you really believed in God, you wouldn’t have all these concerns and doubts.” The list goes on. However, nothing could be further from the truth! If David, who is known as a man after God’s own heart, can have the freedom to be honest with the Lord, than we can too!
It is obvious that David had a real relationship with God. Not just a religion tied up in a bunch of formalities, but a genuine relationship. I liken it to this: When I first meet someone, I do not automatically reveal my deepest darkest secrets. I get to know her first. If we never develop a close relationship, then our conversation stays on the “safe” side. We never discuss the weightier issues of life, and I certainly do not pour out my heart. However, if we develop a stronger relationship, then I feel I can trust her with the deep concerns of my life.
The same is true spiritually speaking. The closer we are to God, the more we will trust Him. This paves the way for freedom to express how we really feel about our circumstances.
As we break down this Psalm for our study, I pray you will be encouraged. If you feel your relationship with God has been on the superficial side now is the time to come before the Lord in all honesty, humility, and confidence knowing He will not turn his back on you!
REREAD VERSES 1-8.
Times of doubt
Read the following passages of Scripture. Note the person talking, the doubt, and God‘s response. Have you ever seen yourself in these people? Keep this in mind as we come to the “making it personal” section of this study. It is also important to remember that we are talking about times of doubt and not times of disobedience. God’s response to doubt is very different from times of disobedience.
1. Judges 6: -7:15
A. Who is the doubter?
B. What are his doubts? (6:13, 6:15, 7:10)
a. b. c.
C. How does God respond?
2. 2 Kings 6:1-17
A. Who is the doubter?
B. What was the doubt?
C. How did God respond?
Relating the old with the new
Some might say that God was gracious to the saints of old because they didn’t have Christ or that they didn’t have the Scriptures. “Surely if they did, God would not have been so gracious.” NOT TRUE. If the Old Testament saints didn’t convince you that strong men of faith doubt, the following should be an encouragement to you.
Read the following passages. Answer the questions accordingly.
1. Mathew 14:1-5, 11:1-6, 14:6-12
A. Who was the doubter?
B. What was the doubt?
C. How did Jesus respond?
2. John 20:19-29
A. Who was the doubter?
B. What was the doubt?
C. How did Jesus respond?
These men give me great hope! Again, we are not talking about doubt not disobedience.
We have two choices when it comes to doubt. Which one will you choose?
1. Doubt leading to heart-felt prayer and conversation with God.
2. Doubt leading to dismay and lack of faith, which leads to disobedience.
Cleary the first option is the one that brings reassurance from God. Even if the circumstance does not change immediately, you can come away with renewed hope in God’s perfect plan and timing. The second will only lead to further destruction and separation from God.
Back to Psalm 6.
READ VERSES 9-10 AGAIN.
Conclusion
Once we have made the decision to turn to our heavenly Fatherin times of doubt, we can end or time of prayer in the confidence of knowing He has listened.
Make it Personal:
1. What circumstance is causing you to doubt God?
2. Has your doubt caused you to run to God or away from Him?
3. Write a letter to God, expressing your feelings. Seek His forgiveness if your doubt has lead to indifference or disobedience.
4. Accept his Forgiveness and renew your relationship with God - get back into His word and find a place of fellowship where you will be strengthened by your brothers and sisters in Christ.
________________________
Comments welcomed and encouraged – iron sharpens iron – may you be blessed as you continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ!
Use with permission – noting source.
© Teresa Ortiz 2010 – In Season Ministries
Article submitted Saturday, July 10, 2010 & read 174 times.
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» left by Anonymous (1 year 211 days ago.)We appreciate your comments!
Merely the "return O lord" reflects the most severe doubt and total spiritual ignorance as God never left but wasquiescentwithin and without.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz (1 year 211 days ago.)
Hello Anon,
Ah, but this is the whole point of this Psalm. David knew in his heart of hearts that God never left him, but when you have the king and all his men seeking to have you killed and you are on the run hiding in caves, human nature can step in at a moment of weakness for lack of food and lack of sleep and cause thought to over rule knowledge.
But David, whom God exalted as king, and of whom the Savior of man came our way - speaks to God's understanding, compassion, and mercy on those who ultimately trust in Him. This moment for David did not last long, for even by the end of the Psalm his confidence is restored. - A severe moment of doubt-perhaps, but never total spiritual ignorance.
If David were spiritually ignorant, we could not have slain Goliath, He could not have ruled a kingdom and many other things.
This is the divine beauty of the Grace of God.
Thank you for reading and thank you for your comment. PS What do you think of God's reponse to Gideon and John the Baptist? Many blessings to you!
Respond to this comment
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