Passage: Psalm 13
The Big Idea
Four times David cries, “How long?” Waiting on God invites doubt: Has He forgotten me? Doesn’t He care? But the psalm turns on one word, “But,” and ends in trust and song. The answer to waiting is seeking His face and resting in His steadfast love.
Reflections
How long will You hide Your face? (v. 1). Waiting on the Lord is hard. The enemy floods my heart with doubt: God has left me, He won’t come through, He doesn’t love me. His delay feels like a lack of concern. What do I learn here? Concern myself with His face. Seek His face, in the face of Jesus (2 Corinthians 4:6).
How long shall I take counsel in my soul? (v. 2). He’s my Counselor. Why should I think it all through alone? He’s given me His Word and His Spirit. My inner reasoning needs to be laid on the altar: what does my Father want? Sorrow can sit in my heart all day, but His love and covenant can be my joy. My enemies may seem to succeed, but that doesn’t change His love for me.
Consider and hear me; enlighten my eyes (v. 3). I want an answer from God Himself, and Jesus is the answer. “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). The opposite of His light is death. Lord, I need Your light; it’s my life.
Lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed” (v. 4). If I’m going to stand against my flesh or the enemy, it has to be Your life in me. When I’m shaken, it’s because I tried to stand on my own. Teach me the abiding life. I won’t be shaken when You’re in me and with me, by faith.
But I have trusted in Your mercy (v. 5). Here’s the true focus of a believer: faith in His love. I rejoice in His salvation. I consider His acts of love. I meditate on the cross.
I will sing to the Lord (v. 6). I will sing, because He has dealt bountifully with me. His grace is all I’ll ever need.
Grace Takeaway
If you’re asking “How long?” today, it’s OK to say it to Him. Then turn your eyes to His face, and trust His steadfast love. The song will come.
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