How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Psalm 13:1-3 NKJV
In this Psalm David is crying out or lamenting to God. He is asking God how long he must suffer oppression at the hands of his enemy. David suffered for years while Saul hunted him down and tried to kill him. David had two opportunities to kill Saul but refused to kill Saul as God had anointed him king. David told his men even though he had a perfect opportunity before him, he could not kill God’s anointed. David trusted God to take care of Saul and God did in His own timing. After David’s sin with Bathsheba, God told David the sword would never leave his house. David suffered the agony of having his own son come against him. David had to flee in that situation also. It is unclear in this Psalm whether David is referring to his oppression under Saul or his own son, but either way, He is asking God how long this will continue.
We are told in 1 Peter 5:10 once we have suffered a while the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us. But sometimes a little while seems like a long while. Sometimes we find ourselves like David wondering how long we must suffer. How long will this continue? The bad thing about suffering is a little while seems like forever. As Christians, however, we know God will do what is best for us. We are told in Romans 8:28 all things work for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.
David realizes this and in vv. 3-4 he asks God to consider him and answer his prayer. He asks God to restore the brightness to his eyes otherwise he will sleep in death and his enemy will have won. He goes on to say that his foes will celebrate his death.
In the last two verses of this 6-verse Psalm, David is assured that God will deliver him because he has trusted in the LORD. He speaks of how he will rejoice because of God’s deliverance, and he will sing to the LORD because of God’s generous treatment toward him.
My friend, when we are suffering a day seems like an eternity. We must know that God is there. He hears our cries. He loves us. If we love Him and are doing His will for our life, He is working all things for our good. If we are not there yet, this is a time to draw near.
Trust in God today. Praise Him in your suffering knowing He will deliver you and exalt you at the proper time. Follow Peter’s advice in 1 Peter 5:6-7 and humble yourself under the mighty hand of God so at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your cares on Him because He cares for you.
Have a great day!