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Why I Wish I Had Written Psalm 13

If I'm being honest, there are times I wish I could have written Psalm 13. Check out the boldness with which it starts. 

"O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way?" ~Psalm 13:1

If we're thinking through what it takes to write these words down, we realize it comes with a lot of courage...or maybe stupidity. Listen, if this guy believes God exists, he has to believe that God is bigger and more powerful than us humans.* 

Even if you think God has forgotten you, I'm not sure calling Him out in this way is what you want to do. 

via GIPHY

 Especially if your argument for favor from God is going to be based on your good behavior, is that really the kind of attention you want? God knows all. God sees all. It seems like a risk to get God's attention just because you feel life is treating you unfairly at the moment. 

"How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day?" ~Psalm 13:2

It may not surprise you to know this Psalm is by David, a guy I'm not sure we'd readily accept in many of our churches. Let's be real, David is probably closer to what we've seen on People of Walmart than anything allowed on a mega-church stage. * ~I'm not advocating everything you see at People of Walmart. It may not be praiseworthy, but it is real. Way. Too. Real. 

"Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die." ~Psalm 13:3

Maybe it's because the idea of talking to God this way smacks of disrespect. Or perhaps it's because I know the 'right' answers. You know, God loves me. God will never leave me in moments of need. God is a refuge in times of trouble.

It's not that the 'right' answers aren't right. It's that I know the answers with my mind, but too often lose the sparkle to my eyes. That's an interesting phrase for a man of war, but it speaks to what excited David. He understood better than many of us that without a heartfelt relationship with God, his spirit would die. 

We all want the conclusion David came to, of course. "I trust in your unfailing love. I will rejoice because you have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because he is good to me." ~Psalm 13:5-6

But are we willing to boldly bare our souls and tell God what we're really thinking? Or will we fear looking too desperate? Too broken? Too needy? 

Perhaps too honest? 


*We can leave the question of God's goodness aside here, though I believe the author would agree with that as well.

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