Psalm 13

 

"How Long?"  In the anguish of his soul, David asks this question four times as he struggles with God's seeming hiddeness, wrestles with his own sorrowful thoughts, and considers his enemies.  He asks God to give "light" to his eyes, for whether the "sleep of death" that he is facing is physical or spiritual, dark emotions can cloud perspectives. At the end of the prayer, darkness has turned to light, as David trusts in God, rejoices in His salvation, and sings praises for the LORD's bountiful blessings!

Following are some reflections that may be beneficial to consider when meditating on this psalm:

  • Verses 1-2:
    •  When are times we have asked God "How Long?"  Was it because God seemed to be distant or hidden?  Was it because we were going through so much personal struggle that we couldn't wait to get through it?   Was it because our enemies were gloating over our lowly state?  Was it because there seemed to be no end in sight?
    • Spend time praying for patience to wait on the LORD, when my timetable does not seem to match His.
  • Verses 3-4:
    •  Is there an area of my life in which I need to ask God "to give light to my eyes," because my dark emotions have clouded my perspective?
  • Verses 5-6:
    • During this time in which we are celebrating Thanksgiving, give thanks for the many ways in which the LORD "has been good to me"!

 

If you would like to meditate on this psalm through music as well, following is a link to a YouTube video of a song that has captured the emotions of this psalm in its lyrics and music: 

  • "Psalm 13" by Alisa Turner:  Link

Comments

Tom H said…
PRAYER MOMENT PS. 13 from Chuck Swindoll: “Father, how much we need You. We pause to thank You for caring for us so much, for listening to our complaints, and for understanding what we’re trying to say. Thank You for Your amazing grace, which has won us and holds us close and keeps us near. Help those going through tough times to realize that You are there, You have never left, and You have planned the length of this test as well as the depth. In the name of the Lord Jesus we pray, amen.”
November 23, 2020 at 8:38 AM
Grace said…
Thanks for sharing the prayer!
November 29, 2020 at 8:36 AM
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