When depression and distress come, we can trust in the steadfast love of the Lord. His presence is with us. His promises are true. His protection is secure. And His power is sufficient. We can also rejoice in His salvation. In the middle of trials and tribulations we are not called to rejoice about what is not good. But we can always rejoice in God’s salvation in the midst of circumstances, even when they are unwanted.
When was the last time you cried out, “How long?” Was it another hurtful word or action in an important relationship? Did unexpected bills deplete your savings? Were the medical treatments barely tolerable? Were more hurtful words spoken by someone who didn’t like your leadership? Did your boss once again complain about your style of doing things? Did chronic physical pain interrupt your plans? Sadly, in this broken world everyone cries out, “How long?” especially when they are in the midst of distressing circumstances. But for believers, the cry, “How long?” reaches to the heavens. We can know for certain that God hears our cries and that our suffering has an end. One of the places we learn this truth is in Psalm 13. This psalm, composed by David, helps us pray when our hearts are filled with sorrow, so that we can once again sing to the Lord.
Sorrow
David begins his psalm with a cry, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever” (Ps. 13:1). To feel abandoned by the Lord is deeply distressing. David, who likely prayed often for the Lord’s face to shine upon him and God’s people (Num. 6:25), was experiencing what it was like for God’s face to be hidden from him. In his solitaire state he suffered from sorrow of the soul because he felt the enemy had won and God had forsaken him, “How long must I…have sorrow in my heart all the day” and “my enemy be exalted over me?” (Ps. 13:2). But in the pit of sorrow he prayed that the Lord would remember him, reveal Himself to him, and restore him to good spiritual, mental, and emotional health, “answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes…lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken” (vv. 3-4).