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Here we have a Psalm that offers prayer and supplication to Jehovah in times of trouble. The setting appears quite the same as in the prior Psalm, Psalm 12 and this Psalm is well placed by the LORD thus following Psalm 12. Note the progression as the first two verses portray agony on the part of the Psalmist, agony associated with the perception of the loss of God's presence. Verses 3 and 4 then move on to prayer and supplication for God to brighten the spiritual eyes of the oppressed, lest they become overwelmed by the torment of their enemies. The Psalm closes with vv. 5,6 where we see another side of the overall equasion, joy and trust in honor of God's love, goodness and blessings.
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? - Psalm 13:1.
The question often arises with affliction as to how long God will punish one until the chastening is over and mercy shines forth. This is not an uncommon question in the books of wisdom such as Job and the Psalms. God has His own timetable to both punish and show mercy, but because we are human and in the flesh, this is often quite difficult for mankind to understand. We read similar language in Psalm 44:
Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our affliction and our oppression? - Palm 44:24.
How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? - Psalm 13:2.
Here the question "how long?" is repeated twice indicating the grave situation and trouble plaging those in need of God's intervention. This is very much the essence of the child of God, a need to continually be patient since with patience comes good things. The words are all to firmilar to many questions who are often left to wonder why God at times seems distant during times of affliction. The fact is that God uses His own timing for the good and benefit of those who love Him, as often we learn many things in life from our afflictions.
Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; - Psalm 13:3.
The enemy here could be in a literal sense Saul, perhaps satan or perhaps both, and in a more spiritual sense all who are enemies of the gospel. The afflicted have the freedom and encouragement to pour out their complaint before the LORD as we likewise see in Psalm 102 and many other places. This was not uncommon among the prophets and holy men of old as Isaiah likewise cried: "But Zion said, The LORD hath forsaken me, and my Lord hath forgotten me." (Isaiah 49:14). When God sometimes appears to be absent from His children, this in turn often prompts the true child of God to humble themself and cry to Him even more. Although we may encounter times where it appears we are without any true friends, the LORD Jesus is the friend who loveth at all times, therefore we must humbly go to Him and pray without ceasing, cf. Proverbs 17:17 & 1 Thessalonians 5:17. Anxiety can trouble very fine christians as on occassion their hearts become overwelmed with sorrow; therefore crying for mercy to the LORD Jesus should not be overlooked as He invites those who are weary and heavy burdened to come to Him, cf. Matthew 11:28-30. Sorrow is often the daily bread for those who weep, cf. Psalm 102:7; but the reward lies in the fact that those who more will in due time be comforted, cf. Matthew 5:4. This is part of our carrying of the cross and fixing our eyes upon Jesus, who Himself was a man of sorrows, cf. Isaiah 53:4. Matthew Henry made a wise obsevation concerning this when he wrote: "Long afflictions try our patience and often tire it."
Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. - Psalm 13:4.
The angony of an afflicted child of God will lead them to prayer and the Holy Bible. There can hardly be any greater longing of the soul than to seek the need of God's nearness when we call upon Him. Compare:
"O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me." - Psalm 25:2.
But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. - Psalm 13:5.
Here we see a change in tone and the joys connected with the power of the gospel, humility, the faith of Christ and begging Him for mercy. Hannah "pored out her soul" before the LORD, which resulted in her loss of sadness, cf. 1 Samuel 1:16-18. We must continually focus on God's goodness to His people and seek comfort which alone comes from our LORD. God is true to His word and assures us that although we weep, in time will come joy, see Psalm 30:5 & 126:5. Patiently waiting upon the LORD is a good thing:
- "But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints." Psalm 52:8,9.
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. - Psalm 13:6.
Here we have the climax to the prayer and supplication. We must both take comfort and joy in knowing that God is altogther true, therefore altogether true to the promises in His Word, we must also learn to show compassion to others who are suffering. God's goodness with lead His children to keep His words in their life and to open their eyes that they may behold wonderful things out of His words, the Holy Bible, complete and infallible, given to us. This is the exhrtation we find in Psalm 119:17,18.
"Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law." - Psalm 119:17,18.
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