How Long?

HOW LONG?

Psalm 13:1-6.

This is a lament, a Psalm of complaint. This is evident from the outset, with the fourfold cry of pain, “How long?” (Psalm 13:1-2).

The complaint is addressed first to the LORD (Psalm 13:1), but then seems to descend into something resembling self-pity (Psalm 13:2).

Next, the Psalmist looks to the LORD for an answer (Psalm 13:3). “Consider,” he appeals. “Hear,” he implores. “Give light,” he begs: with a reason attached: “Lest I sleep the sleep of death.”

Other motivations for the LORD to answer follow: “Lest mine enemy” gloat and “rejoice!” (Psalm 13:4).

Prayer is itself therapeutic: and having aired his complaint, and presented his petition, the Psalmist finds himself in a much better frame of mind. When we leave our problems at the throne of grace, we know from experience that the LORD has heard our prayer, and that He will accept our requests, and will answer us favourably.

So now the Psalmist can confidently declare, “I have trusted in thy (covenant) mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation” (Psalm 13:5).

Even when we cannot see it, we know in our very inmost being that the LORD will not fail us; and so already the Psalmist has begun to lift himself out of the doldrums, and begins to “sing unto the LORD, because He hath dealt bountifully with me” (Psalm 13:6).