Psalm 13:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

NIV: How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

NASB: How long am I to feel anxious in my soul, With grief in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

CSB: How long will I store up anxious concerns within me, agony in my mind every day? How long will my enemy dominate me?

NLT: How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand?

KJV: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?

NKJV: How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me?

Crying out in frustration and confusion (Psalm 13:1), David expresses three concerns to God. This is a natural human emotion, one which God understands (Psalm 73:2–3; Habakkuk 1:2–4; Hebrews 4:15–16).

First, David is concerned about the pressure to find a resolution to his dilemma. He feels inadequate to solve the problems he faces. The phrase "take counsel in my soul" is meant to imply David's innermost thoughts and mind. Because the Lord seems to be absent, David feels compelled to make plans on his own.

Second, David is suffering from sorrow. Feeling abandoned by God, he struggles all day with turmoil in his heart. As his struggles continue, with no end in sight, David is tempted to fear that they will never be resolved. His concern is not merely being pressured to make the right decisions, but the emotional toll his situation is taking.

Third, David is fearful over his enemy's apparent triumph over him. Since God has not yet brought a resolution, David is tempted to think there might not be victory, at all.

When troubles strike, it is easy to believe the Lord has abandoned us. But He has promised to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5). He shepherds us not only in green pastures but also when we traverse the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23). If we focus on our troubles instead of on the Lord, we will feel great sadness. However, if we focus on the Lord, we will experience joy despite difficult circumstances (Philippians 4:4). Our enemy may seem to triumph over us, but "we are more than conquerors through him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). David places his trust in God; he is grounded in faith, despite these temporary struggles (Psalm 13:5–6).

Psalm 13:1–4 exposed David's sorrow and doubt. These are not uncommon emotions, and Scripture includes moments when believers cry out to God in their confusion. In this situation, David feels the Lord has forgotten him and turned His face away. He asks the Lord how long he must struggle, seemingly alone. He asks why he is suffering this danger, and this pressure, and when his enemy will finally be defeated. He is concerned that his enemy will claim the victory over him. Though David is confused and frustrated, he does not turn away from God, as the last verses show (Psalm 13:5–6).

Perhaps facing the overwhelming prospect of a murderous king (1 Samuel 19:1–2), David cries to God in frustration. In his circumstances, he feels abandoned and unloved. He begs God to consider his situation and answer him. David is not merely asking for help; he is asking for an explanation. Despite his confusion, David continues to trust in God and does so confidently. Because God has proven Himself already, David chooses faith in the Lord.

This psalm, like so many others, honestly expresses feelings of fear and frustration. This may have been composed during David's time hiding in the wilderness from King Saul (1 Samuel 19:1–2). This is one of many passages where believers sincerely cry out to God with their confusion and pain, not understanding why God has chosen to allow events to occur (Psalm 73:2–3; Habakkuk 1:2–4). As with those other Scriptures, this impassioned plea ends in an expression of trust and praise.

The book of Psalms is composed of individual songs, hymns, or poems, each of which is a ''Psalm'' in and of itself. These works contain a wide variety of themes. Some Psalms focus on praising and worshipping God. Others cry out in anguish over the pain of life. Still other Psalms look forward to the coming of the Messiah. While some Psalms are related, each has its own historical and biblical context.