Psalm 13

Sorry, couldn't think of a cool, hip title like everybody else...

Be honest with yourself for a moment. It seems that every one of us has asked some version of the question “How long, O Lord?” at one time or another, and every follower of God has felt neglected by God, or at least has waited a long time for God to do what needs to be done. Notice that David asks “How long, O Lord?” no less than four times just in the first two verses. The frustration in David’s heart came from a sense that God had forgotten him and that God was distancing Himself from him. Don’t worry; asking God this kind of question is OK. It shows an honest desire for rescue, and possibly a sincere sadness of the heart. But keep in mind; it is incredibly easy for someone’s sincere desires to turn into impatience. Of course, God did not forget David. God did not hide His face from David, but David felt like it. When we have such strong feelings such as these, the feelings create their own reality. David felt God had forgotten him, and felt God was hiding. So, in a sense, it was true for David, but true according to feelings, not according to fact.

There’s got to be a balance in life when it comes to feelings. Some people ignore feelings, and think that feelings should have nothing to do with our relationship with God. This is an extreme, because God has given us feelings as an expression of His image in us. We can feel anger, love, care, pain, and many other feelings, because God can feel those feelings. In this sense, feelings are a gift from God and a sign that we are made in His image.

On the other side, some live their lives ruled by feelings. We believe whatever reality our feelings present us. The problem with this is that though we have feelings because we are made in the image of God, we come to find that our feelings are affected by how much we stumble. We can’t trust our feelings because of this. It was all right for David to feel these feelings, and good to take them to God, but he should never accept the reality of feelings as “real” reality.

Note: No wonder David was discouraged! “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day, have sorrow in my heart?” Thinking about our troubles is hard work. When I am discouraged and depressed, the answer is not looking inside myself, but in looking to the LORD

David had the wisdom to know that though he felt powerful feelings, he wasn’t seeing reality. His vision was hazy and dark, so he cried out to God, “Enlighten my eyes...!” This is an excellent prayer! We need the light of God to shine on us and to give us His wisdom and knowledge. No matter what problem we are in, we should cry out with all our heart, “Enlighten my eyes.” Check out Ephesians 1:17-19; Paul’s version of this prayer.

After this prayer, David came to a place of confidence and trust. It is as if he remembered that he really did trust God. God had cleared away the haze and enlightened his eyes. David was still in the realm of feelings (“My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.”). But he directed his feelings instead of having his feelings direct him. If he could be delighted in nothing else, he could delight in the salvation God gave him. This is solid ground for any believer. With enlightened eyes, David sees God’s goodness. As David thought about it, he had good reason to be happy and sing because God had been good to him. If we will only think about it, every person on this earth has a reason to be happy, because in some way God has been good to everyone.

What a change! In the beginning of the Psalm, David was overwhelmed by his feelings and frustration and believed that God forgot him and was hiding from him. He had trouble with God and with himself. Yet now he saw how God had been faithful. Because his eyes were enlightened, David could now see God’s goodness.

Before God can enlighten our eyes, we must admit that we don’t see everything. We need to realize that our feelings are not giving us full and accurate information. But if we will do this, and cry out to the LORD, “Enlighten my eyes.” He will indeed do that very thing and bring us from a place of despair to a place of trust, joy, and confidence!

Much Love. Robert.