Psalm 13 shows us what to do when we find ourselves asking tough questions like this: How long will You forget me (13:1)? How long will You hide from me (13:1)? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts (13:2)? How long must my heart sorrow (13:2)? How long will my enemies triumph over me (13:2)?

All these questions make me think that Psalm 13 could have been written by an athlete or coach going through a tough season, rough injury, personal performance slump, real loneliness, broken relationship, or a long losing streak. And it’s written to an audience that will likely feel the very same way. But, Psalm 13 ends with a great three-point play. Let’s take a look at what’s declared to help us push through:

LOOK BACK AT WINS. One of the best ways to get through a tough stretch in life is to take a good look back. Note a salvation seen in the past, a deliverance experienced, a victory won. Resurrect the win to trust that it will happen again. Athlete, God has been good to you (v. 5). LOOK UP FOR POWER. Make sure there is a strong, real object to your faith and hope -- the LORD. Only empowered ones truly push through. In His unfailing love, God delivers (v. 6). SING OUT IN PRAISE. A last great way to push through is to find a good praise song and start singing it. Sing out about who’s been good to you. Sing in praise. Let the praise build the expectancy to push through again (v. 6).