Overview

This Psalm contains the sentiments of an afflicted soul that earnestly desires comfort from the Lord. The psalmist complains of delay, Psalm 13:1-3; prays for light and comfort, because he finds himself on the brink of death, Psalm 13:3; dreads the revilings of his enemies, Psalm 13:4; anticipates a favorable answer, and promises thanksgiving, Psalm 13:5, Psalm 13:6.

Adam Clarke Commentary

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Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
    How long will you hide your face from me?
² How long must I take counsel in my soul
    and have sorrow in my heart all the day?
How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

³ Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
⁴ lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

⁵ But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
⁶ I will sing to the Lord,
    because he has dealt bountifully with me.

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Poetry by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 13

Pleading with God under desertion

How long, O Lord, shall I complain,
Like one that seeks his God in vain?
Canst thou thy face for ever hide,
And I still pray, and be denied?

Shall I for ever be forgot,
As one whom thou regardest not
Still shall my soul thine absence mourn,
And still despair of thy return?

How long shall my poor troubled breast
Be with these anxious thoughts oppressed?
And Satan, my malicious foe,
Rejoice to see me sunk so low?

Hear, Lord, and grant me quick relief,
Before my death conclude my grief:
If thou withhold thy heav’nly light,
I sleep in everlasting night.

How will the powers of darkness boast,
If but one praying soul be lost!
But I have trusted in thy grace,
And shall again behold thy face.

Whate’er my fears or foes suggest,
Thou art my hope, my joy, my rest;
My heart shall feel thy love, and raise
My cheerful voice to songs of praise.

Reflection

It is quite likely that someone on your prayer list is going through a dark period in their lives. As you go through your list, ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus your prayer on someone who needs your intercession especially today.

• Lord today I lift __[insert name]_____ before you.
• Let __[insert name]___ feel your love and raise his/her cheerful voice to songs of praise
• I pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen his/her faith in your steadfast love
• Renew the joy of your salvation in his/her
• Open his/her eyes to your bountiful dealing with him/her
• May he/she smile again.

Amen