Psalm 13

May 13, 2012

 

I have previously noted that the issues David struggled with are still prevalent today. Realizing that David wrote these psalms three thousand years ago makes his lament, “How long?” even more poignant.

The phrase, ‘how long’ is used over fifty times in the Bible; thirteen times in the Book of Psalms; and four times in Psalm 13. Sometimes it is God speaking, asking how long He has to put up with the sinfulness of Israel. Most often it is God’s people pleading to God, “How long must we wait for your deliverance?”

There is no easy answer to this question. If a thousand years to us is but a day to God, then David wrote these psalms three days ago. I don’t know if that helps you, but I find comfort in remembering that God’s time cannot be measured. Neither can God’s eternal goodness be measured. This is why the letter of Hebrews can boldly state that Jesus, “who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) The glory that awaits God’s children far outweighs the feelings of despair we may experience today.

But, as David notes in this psalm, the wait is not without purpose and great blessings. As David turned to God he found God turning to him. (See James 4:8) God restored the sparkle to David’s eyes and David sang praises to God. In those times when our soul cries out to God, ‘How long,” David inspires us to remember we can turn to God and experience God putting a sparkle in our eyes.

“All of us are looking with unveiled faces at the glory of the Lord as if we were looking in a mirror. We are being transformed into that same image from one degree of glory to the next degree of glory. This comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18)

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

Reading for May 14, 2012            Psalm 14