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

2020-08-06

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 ...

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).