One of the many ways in which the Psalms are helpful to us believers is in witnessing how the beloved saints of Scripture dealt with their own trials and struggles. King David was said to be a “man after God’s own heart” and yet, he had some dark, terrifying moments. At times he felt isolated and alone. And not just alone. But, even, forgotten by the One true God, the Father Almighty. Forever.
As believers, we may experience trials like King David was giving voice to in Psalm 13—where we feel as if the enemy is prevailing over us, that we are forgotten, or that God has turned His face from us. But what should we do during those times of trial? Should we give in to Satan’s lies and believe that God has in fact turned His face from us?
By all means, no! We ought to pursue Him all the more and say, “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?… Consider and answer me, O LORD my God…” etc. We ought to give voice to what we are experiencing and seek the LORD’s help, as is shown by example in the book of Psalms. It is, after all, a prayerbook for God’s people. And as King David indicated at the end of Psalm 13, if we seek the LORD we will find assurance of salvation and peace for our souls (sometimes even while we are praying, as seems to be the case with King David), for God is merciful and deals bountifully with His saints.
Therefore, we hope you find comfort in this Psalm and that you enjoy this alternate musical setting of Psalm 13.
We hope you like it!
—My Soul Among Lions
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LORD, How Long? (Psalm 13)
How long will you forget me, LORD?
Shall I never see Your light;
Will it be forever night?
How long You hide Your face from me?
O LORD, How long?
LORD, How long?
How long with sorrow in my heart,
As these waves upon me roll,
Shall I counsel my own soul?
How long my enemy prevail?
O LORD, How long?
Hear me, O my God
Hear the groaning of my heart
And do not let my weary soul be torn apart
Oh, be to me a light
Or in the darkness I will die
Oh, do not hide
Or I will die
Now, do I sleep the sleep of death?
Have my days come to an end?
O LORD, will You defend?
Come, holy Savior, come my way
To You, I pray.
Now, will you claim the victory?
Or shall my enemy rejoice
With the mocking of their voice?
LORD, in Your righteousness prevail
Oh, do not fail
Hallelujah, LORD
You heard the groaning of my heart,
You did not leave me for the wolves to tear apart
O LORD, You are my light
And in Your presence I will sing
For what you’ve done
I will sing…
Oh, Hallelujah, LORD
You heard the groaning of my heart,
You did not leave me for the wolves to tear apart
O LORD, You are my light
And in Your presence I will sing
For what you’ve done!
I will sing for what you’ve done!
I will sing! I will sing!
~Philip Moyer, 2016
