Psalm 13: A Prayer When in Distress

Psalm 13 “begins with protest (vs. 1, 2), passes through prayer (vs. 3, 4), and concludes with praise (vs. 5, 6). In it the psalmist, seemingly forsaken of God, despairs over his daily persecution at the hands of the enemy, prays earnestly that God will come to his help, and realizes the answer to his prayer in a fresh measure of faith and hope. . . . It is probable that David composed this psalm out of the constant trial that he suffered at the hands of Saul. The psalm is an encouraging example of the fact that when good men feel forsaken of God, it is their privilege to cry to Him and realize the sweet assurance of His care.” David’s expressions are those of a man who has endured trouble and sees no end in sight. Martin Luther “is reported to have said: ‘Hope despairs and yet despair hopes.’” David feels God has forgotten him because his trials have seemingly gone on forever. The phrase “how long” is used four times in the first two verses. Perhaps he thought that God had hidden His face from him, and if that were the case, he really was on his own against his enemies. David had constantly devised methods to avoid Saul yet, seemingly, to no avail (v. 2). It was becoming hard to think strategically because David’s anxiety and sense of abandonment were taking over his thoughts. Surrendering to these feelings of hopelessness was not an option, and yet there seemed no way to get beyond his difficulties (vv. 3, 4).

Where was God? But David’s trust in the Lord stands firm! God has led in the past, and God is still his salvation (v. 5). Despair turns to song (v. 6).

“Out of sadness through supplication he emerges singing. The golden thread of thanksgiving runs throughout the fabric of the psalms.”} “I will sing of Jesus’ love, / Sing of Him who first loved me.”