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The In Between
- July 13, 2025 / Joshua Ott
In seasons of silence, when God feels distant and our prayers seem to hit a wall, Psalm 13 gives voice to the pain of waiting. David models what it looks like to wrestle with emotions while still holding onto faith. Through a raw cry, a desperate ask, and an unwavering hold on God’s unchanging character, we see a pathway for walking through the “in-between” seasons—those frustrating gaps between promise and fulfillment. This talk invites us to cry out honestly, lean into God dependently, and hold on to His goodness, even when nothing around us makes sense.
KEY VERSES:
- Psalm 13
- 1 Samuel 16
- Malachi 3:6
- Romans 8:24–28
- John 14:16–17
- 1 John 2:1
- James 1:2–4
- Isaiah 40:31
HIGHLIGHTS:
- David’s Honest Cry
- “How long, Lord?” (Psalm 13:1-2)
- He expresses grief, confusion, and sorrow.
- God isn’t intimidated by our honest prayers—He invites them. - The Ask
- “Look on me and answer, Lord my God.” (Psalm 13:3-4)
- Asking creates a posture of humility and dependence.
- Our faith grows when we invite God into our mess. - The Hold
- “But I trust in your unfailing love.” (Psalm 13:5-6)
- David chooses to trust God’s character despite how he feels.
- God’s nature is unchanging (Malachi 3:6; Romans 8:24–28). - Learning to Wait Well
- Waiting shapes us, humbles us, and grows our faith (James 1:2–4).
- We’re not alone in it—God gives us advocates in Jesus and the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17; 1 John 2:1). - Choosing Hope
- “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
- Hope isn't passive—it’s a daily choice to trust what we can’t see.
TALK ABOUT IT:
- Have you ever felt like your prayers were hitting a wall? What did you do in that season?
- What stood out to you most about David’s prayer in Psalm 13?
- Why do you think God sometimes waits to respond?
- What does it mean to trust God’s unchanging character?
- How does expressing honest emotion help build your faith?
- What are some ways we can grow during the “in-between” seasons of life?
- Which of the three components—cry, ask, or hold—do you struggle with the most?
- What’s one practical thing you can do this week to stay spiritually anchored?
APPLY IT:
- Be honest in your prayers. God already knows—bring your full self to Him.
- Ask God for help instead of pulling away in silence.
- Write down one promise of God to cling to during a hard week.
- Spend time journaling or praying about your own “in between” season.
- Talk to someone about what you're waiting on God for—it builds community and perspective.
- Practice gratitude even in waiting—list three ways God has shown up for you recently.
Born and raised in Schuylkill County, Josh is passionate about Grace being a church that reaches the entire county. He drives the vision, content, clarity, and leadership cohesion at our church. Josh loves old Harleys, fly-fishing, and Philly sports, but not nearly as much as a he loves spending time with his family.