“O LORD, how long will you FORGET ME? Forever? How long will you LOOK THE OTHER WAY? How long must I struggle with ANGUISH (anxiety, sorrow) in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?” (Psalms 13:1-2) David begins this psalm on a note of despair. He feels that the Lord is far from him. David is FULL OF SORROW thinking about his enemy. This may have been written during the time when King Saul sought to kill David (1 Samuel 19:1–2). With an enemy using the resources of an entire nation to pursue him, David would have felt overwhelmed and helpless. Expressing sincere emotion, David feels as if God has FORGOTTEN HIM.
“Turn and answer me, O LORD my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die. Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, “We have defeated him!” Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall.” (1 Samuel 19:3-4). This is honest. Oh, how this is honest crying out to God. There’s a reason this Psalm has been sung throughout centuries. Because in this sin sick world, these are real emotions, these are real questions. A cry. Verse three, “Restore the sparkle to my eyes…” I don’t care how bad it looks right now; God can restore that light in your eyes. Look at how miserable David was! He was begging God for answers and was so hopeless that he preferred death. But a few chapters later he declares, “LORD, you keep the lamp of my life burning brightly. You are my God. YOU BRING LIGHT INTO MY DARKNESS.” (Psalms 18:28)
“But I trust in your UNFAILING LOVE. I will rejoice because you have RESCUED ME. I will sing to the LORD because HE IS GOOD TO ME.” (Psalms 13:5-6) So we will SING TO YOU. We sing in our hearts to you right now because you are a bountiful God. You are a gracious and merciful God, and you have dealt plenteously. And you promised, yes, you promised to deal bountifully with us. All glory be to your name, OH GOD, that when we have questions and when we are hurting, your love is steadfast, and your salvation is sure. SO, WE PRAISE YOU, JESUS, FOR THIS AWESOME REALITY, that you will rescue us by your UNFAILING LOVE…
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham