Psalm 13

Read Psalm 13

“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?” David recorded his despair in a time of great difficulty. At least to him it felt like God was hiding. When he cried out to the Lord about his deep sorrow it seemed like he was only talking to himself.

David was sad all day every day according to the words recorded here. His unidentified “enemy” was exalted over him. Could it be that the Lord had determined that David's story on earth was over? Would his enemy win?

Though he could not discern the Lord's presence, David wrote down his plea to God in this song that would be given to the choirmaster for all of Israel to sing. This great man did not keep his desperate need a secret. He invited all of God's people to sing with him.

“Consider and answer me, O LORD my God.” David did not stop singing to God even though he felt like the Lord was not listening. He knew that only the Almighty could bring the victory that he needed. If God would not grant the light of His presence, David would “sleep the sleep of death.”

If David died then his enemy would win. His foe would rejoice in the destruction of one of God's beloved children. David could not believe that his struggles would end this way. He added words of abiding faith for others to sing. “I have trusted in Your steadfast love.” He sang with hope. “My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.” Suddenly the words of future longing became the song of accomplished fact. “He has dealt bountifully with me.”

David was determined to rejoice in the Lord. He invited others to join him. One of his descendants would one day lift up His voice in praise to God using David's psalms. After many centuries had passed, after David's body had rested in the grave for so long, the Messiah would come to Israel. He would sing of the tender mercies of God and live a life of perfect love during a time of the deep despair. Through the death and resurrection of this one Son of David, the Lord has dealt bountifully with all who trust in Him.

Prayer from A Book of Prayers

Lord, You will not forget Your righteous Servant who made satisfaction for our sins. Our foes will not win the day, for in Your steadfast love You help us.