Psalm 13:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

NIV: But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

NASB: But I have trusted in Your faithfulness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

CSB: But I have trusted in your faithful love; my heart will rejoice in your deliverance.

NLT: But I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me.

KJV: But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

NKJV: But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

David's faith in the Lord overrides his fear of the enemy. This psalm began with David's sincere, human expressions of confusion and frustration. In a heartfelt way, David was asking God, "why?" in response to his hardship. His own mind wasn't sharp enough to resolve these issues, and he feared his enemies might finally win (Psalm 13:1–4). However, because of all God had done, David did not reject God or turn away from his faith (Psalm 11:1).

Here, at the end of the psalm, David shifts focus from his adversary to the Lord's unfailing love. He rejoices in the salvation given by God. God understands the limits of our knowledge and our need to sometimes cry out to Him in pain (Psalm 73:2–3; Habakkuk 1:1–4).

Jesus promises believers that hardship is part of living in this world, Yet He also reassures His people that He has attained ultimate victory on their behalf (John 16:33). The apostle Paul endured drastic persecution but assured buffeted believers that God's love cannot be halted. In Romans 8:38–39 he writes: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." God's love for believers is far greater than any threat or trial.

Psalm 13:5–6 forms an important perspective when reading David's earlier cries of frustration (Psalm 13:1–4). David felt he could bring his confusion, hurt, and hardship to God. There, he expressed fears of defeat and a desire to know why God had not yet brought victory. These closing verses express an important background for those questions: David's confidence in the Lord and his joy. David recognizes that God loves him in difficult circumstances just as much as in times of safety. The Lord has proven His grace, so even when he does not fully understand, David chooses to trust in God.

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.