“How Long, O LORD?” (Psalms 13) (Billy Russell, 04/19/20)

                                      Faith in Days Like These

                              “How Long, O LORD?” (Psalms 13)

 

“How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide

your face from me?” (-David, Ps. 13:1, NIV)

 

Psalms 13 is known as the "How Long Psalm.” Spurgeon called it the “Howling Psalm” because of its quadruple cry "how long?" David shared this prayer-song, a lament, as he struggled with questions and re-affirmed his faith in God. Perhaps, in these Covid-19 days, you have similar faith questions and need encouragement in your faith in God too.                                                                    

 

                                      Learning to Lament Well

 

Say what you have to say: “How long, O LORD?”(13:1-2)-“until where?”

     Never hold back from telling God what’s on your heart. Series of 4 ?’s

     4x David repeats his “How long?” inquiry. Feel it’s intensity heighten!

     Lament is an acceptable form of prayer: grieving/questioning out loud.

          “Faith seeking to understand ... seeking divine presence” (G. Wilson)

     The lyrics reflect David’s disorientation (W. Brueggemann)- life’s swings.

 

Pray what your soul needs (13:3-4)- David pleads for 3 Divine actions:

     1) God to see him- “Look (!) on me...” (v.3), not “hide his face”(v.1)

     2) God to answer him- “... and answer...” (v.3). Desperate for response!

     3) God to intervene- How? “Give light to my eyes” (cause to shine, v.3)

                                      Why? Or, I’ll die and my enemies will rejoice (v.4).

 

Sing what your heart believes (13:5-6)- Despite his deeply felt questions,

 and the reality of his circumstances, David sings 3 confessions of faith:

 

     1) God, I trust in your love- “But I trust in your unfailing love” (v.5).

         “Unfailing love” = hesed (Heb.)- loyal, covenant commitment

          David is confident of God’s enduring commitment, loyalty to him.

 

     2) God, I rejoice in your rescue- “my heart rejoices in your

          salvation” (v.5). Faith struggles can bridge dissonance.

          David senses God will deliver him. We can trust in God’s provision.

 

     3) God, I know you are good to me- “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for    

           he has been good to me” (v.6). His goodness calls us to praise Him!

           David responds to God’s goodness with praise! Let us praise Him!