Scripture: “How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?” – (13:1)
Observation: In this psalm, David is experiencing great sorrow waiting for God to respond to his prayer. However, even though he is in despair, he chooses to trust God and rejoice because God has been good to him in the past. His expectation is that God will do the same at this time.
Application: Like David, there are many times when I’ve wondered, “How long until You answer me, Lord?” This is often the heart’s cry when one is hurting. Regardless of whether you’ve been saved recently or for a long time, learning to trust the Lord is an ongoing process. As we experience struggles in our lives, God uses them to grow our faith and trust in Him. Sometimes, the answers we seek come immediately, but more often than not, we find ourselves waiting.
It is so important to remember that God sees the big picture. He knows how to answer prayers in the best interest of all involved. Additionally, He has a perfect plan for each one of us and knows the paths we must take to bring those plans to fruition. Notice that this psalm doesn’t say that God answered David right away. However, it does reveal David’s heart for the Lord. Despite the pain in waiting, David ends this psalm with these two verses:
- “But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.” (13:4)
- “I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.” (13:5)
God had shown Himself faithful to deliver David in the past, and now the Psalmist praises God by acknowledging that truth and choosing to rejoice and sing to God. Despite the wait, David is confident that the Lord will deliver him once again and reflects that in his words of praise!
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, great is Your faithfulness! Your mercies are truly new every morning! I am so grateful that I can come to You in prayer whenever I want, and You listen. Thank You for always doing what is best for me. Help me to trust You more each day. In Your sweet, precious name, I pray. Amen.
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(from “Be Still, My Soul” by Kathrina von Schlegel)
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“But mine eyes are unto thee, O GOD the Lord: in thee is my trust; leave not my soul destitute.” – Psalm 141:8