How Long?

“But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. I will sing to the LORD, because He has dealt bountifully with me.”

Psalm 13:5,6, NKJV

Of the 150 psalms, about a third of them are known as ‘psalms of lament.’ Martin Luther said of these, “What is the greatest thing in the Psalter but this earnest speaking amid the storm winds of every kind?”

While this psalm ends on a joyful note, its beginning begs us to stop and feel emotions real and raw.

“How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” (13:1)

Haven’t most of us been there in one season or another—crying out to Him, “How long?” while wondering if He has looked away?

Throughout all of Scripture we see God compassionately giving space for sorrow. He does this for us as well. As we’re able to allow our souls the time and space to cry out, like David, our lyrics of lament will likely lead to a hallelujah.