This psalm is a cry for help from someone who is depressed, discouraged, and desperate!
Read Psalm 13.
We've probably all been in a situation where God seems far away, and unwilling to help, and we wonder if our circumstances will ever change!
Four times in this Psalm, the Psalmist asks God the question 'How Long?' - you might have asked that: How long is my illness going to last? How long are my financial troubles going to last? How long will my grief and sadness last? How long till this broken relationship is going to be restored?
The Psalm teaches us 3 very important things to help us when we cry, 'How long?'
1. The prayers of good, Godly people are not always answered immediately, but that doesn't mean God hasn't heard our cry. Peace and patience are required. We still have a reason to rejoice whatever our circumstances- v. 5 reminds us we are saved! We have received our salvation, and that means our total and complete well-being is secure.
2. God's delay in answering our cry doesn't mean he has abandoned us. There may be some unknown purpose in the delay- God's timing is always perfect. Extended problems and trials can lead us to an even deeper dependence and trust in God's unfailing love (also v.5)
3. In times of hardship it's best to make a deliberate decision to praise God. v.6 says 'I will sing to the Lord'. Most of us can sing God's praise in the good times, but we really grow in our faith when we can praise in the hard times too.
Remember this: If you don't send out a distress signal to the Lord when you are in trouble, don't expect to be rescued! But learn patience and seek God's peace in the tough times. He hears, He hasn't abandoned you, You will grow stronger as you seek Him in your troubles.
