Psalms 13

Chapter Overview

What happens in Psalms 13

A short but powerful lament of David. He asks God 'how long' four times, expressing deep frustration. Yet even in pain, he chooses to trust God's faithful love.

Scripture

How Long, Lord?

Study note

David pours out his heart with repeated cries of 'how long.' He feels forgotten and overpowered by his enemies.

1 How much longer are you going to forget about me, Lord? Will it be forever? How much longer are you going to turn your face away from me? How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?

2 How much longer do I have to wrestle with my own thoughts, carrying sadness in my heart day after day? How much longer will those who hate me have the upper hand? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

A Plea and a Song

Study note

David asks God to answer him. But then faith breaks through and he trusts in God's faithful love and sings because God has been good.

3 Turn your eyes toward me and give me an answer, Lord my God. Bring light back into my eyes before I fade away into death. Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;

4 Don't let my enemy get to say, "I won." Don't let those who oppose me cheer when I go down. Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.

5 My trust is completely in your never-ending love. Deep inside, my heart celebrates because you save me. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord because he has been so exceedingly generous to me. I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Key Themes

Themes in Psalms 13

The agonizing cry of 'How long?'Honest complaint before GodMoving from sorrow to singingTrust in God's unfailing love

Apply This Today

Living Psalms 13

David asked 'How long?' four times — and if you have ever waited on God, you know that feeling. But notice the turn: even without receiving an answer, David chose to trust in God's unfailing love. Sometimes faith is not getting an answer; it is choosing to trust while you wait.

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