Which Is It, David?

Psalm 13:1 (NASB95) For the choir director. A Psalm of David. How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?

Psalm 13:5 (NASB95) But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.

(Proverbs 13 also read)

All right, which is it?  These verses are just lines apart and yet they express totally opposite thoughts.  At the beginning, you have David complaining because God has forgotten him whereas later he is rejoicing.  Again I ask, which is it?

I’m sure it’s both.  We can go through quick cycles in our emotions.  Maybe this chapter is here to remind us of that.  I think of a missionary who wrote about how it seemed like the heavens were as brass.  She felt like God was not there and not listening.  I can’t remember how she worked through it, but I think it probably was based on the fact that she switched her mode from feelings to faith.

I know what it is to be down and out.  I have struggled with depression.  In my case, since it was probably what you would call a light depression, I finally realize that it was just an emotional issue of feeling sorry for myself.  In my case, it was a matter of getting my eyes on God and trusting in who He was.  I think maybe David was going through that.

So?  If you are in clinical depression, seek professional help.  Having said that, most of us go through times of mild depression, which can be dealt with simply by getting back on the path of faith and trust.  God will meet us and love us.