Psalms
Summary
Psalm 13 is a succinct and moving prayer that follows the classic structure of a lament, moving from deep distress to confident trust. David four times asks God, "How long?" in his agony of feeling forgotten and overwhelmed by his enemies. He pleads for God to "lighten my eyes" to avoid the sleep of death and the mockery of his foes. However, the tone shifts abruptly at the end as David remembers God's past mercy and "unfailing love," vowing to sing to the LORD because He has been so good to him. It is a masterpiece of emotional transition in prayer.
How long, O LORD? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me?
How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and have sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Look on me and answer, O LORD my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death;
lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed over him," and those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me.