Psalm 13:1-6 How long will you forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long will you hide your face from me?… He is unchangeable. "Job says, "He is in one mind." James, "With Him there is no variableness." And He Himself says, "I am the Lord, I change not." In reality He is thus, but relatively He seems to change. I. GOD AS LOOKED AT THROUGH THE SOUL IN TROUBLE. He seemed to be — 1. Forgetful. "How long wilt Thou forget me?" 2. As unkind. "How long wilt Thou hide Thy face from me?" To turn away the face was the sign of aversion and displeasure. 3. As utterly neglectful. "How long?" Four times he repeats this. As if God was utterly regardless of him. So it seemed to him. II. GOD AS LOOKED AT THROUGH THE SOUL IN DEVOTION. In the midst of his troubles he prays, "Consider and hear me, O Lord, my God: lighten mine eyes," etc. As he prays the cloud withdraws, and he cries, "My heart shall rejoice in Thy salvation." Prayer changes the night of the soul into morning, its discords into music, its dark and chilly November into a sunny and life-giving May. III. CONCLUSION. 1. The power of circumstances to disturb the soul. While no man need be their creature, it is impossible for him not to feel their influence. 2. The rapid changes which occur in the mood of the soul. The Psalm begins in gloom and ends in sunshine. 3. The influence of prayer to elevate the soul. Prayer is the power that changes the whole horizon of our spiritual nature. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: {To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.} How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?WEB: How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? |
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