Psalms 13: From Anguish to Trust
Four repeated 'how longs' resolved into a song of joy.
One of the shortest laments in the Psalter, this chapter follows Psalms 12 and opens with David repeating 'how long' four times as he wrestles with sorrow, a hidden God, and a triumphant enemy. He asks to be enlightened before he sleeps the sleep of death.
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall my enemy be exalted over me?
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
Lest my enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
I will sing to the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.