When traveling long distance by vehicle, there are several types of riders. There is the navigator who knows all the shortcuts and ways to beat traffic. There is the entertainer who believes his job to be changing the radio station to the correct song. There is the detector who hears every rattle, feels ever shimmy, and thinks he must diagnose the mechanical problems.

We travel quite a bit, primarily between our home in Denver and our native land of Northwest Tennessee. It is about an eighteen-hour drive (one way) that we have made back and forth several times. In our truck, there are typically two types of travelers. There is the driver (me) and the sleepers (Melody and the boys). The rest safe and secure sleeping the miles away. My job is to get us there and back safely.

As we journeyed home yesterday, we had three near-accidents. At just the right time, I was able to notice, swerve, brake, or accelerate to deliver us from potential harm. After avoiding the near-mishaps, I would look over at Melody and up to the rear-view mirror to look at the boys. They all were still soundly asleep. I pridefully thought, “They rest easy, not even knowing how I have delivered them safely.” The more I thought about it, the more I realized how thankful I should be to the Lord that we had been delivered from near accidents. This led to the final thought (and the better one). How many times does the Lord watch over, protect, and keep me when I never am aware? How many times have I been asking “how long” in regard to a matter, never realizing how often He has delivered us at just the right time!

Many scholars believe the Thirteenth Psalm was written by David while being chased by Saul. Tremper Longman said this psalm is “a cry to God from a soul who has nowhere to turn but to God.” Spurgeon called it the “How Long Psalm.” David recognized that even though his enemy made his Heart lament, he could still rejoice in the Lord because of the way He cares for His people.

DAVID’S COMPLAINT (1-2).
The observant student will note that David asks, “How Long?” four times.

• Will you forget me forever?
• Will you hide your face from me?
• Shall I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart?
• Will my enemy be exalted over me?

The psalmist feels as if everyone is against him. In his mind, this could only happen if the Lord had abandoned him.

DAVID’S CALL (3-4).
He asks the Lord to consider (or notice him) and answer. He gives three reasons why the Lord should.

• He might die.
• The enemies might believe they have won.
• The enemy might have greater joy that the Lord’s servant.

VV. 5-6 – THE COMFORT.
He prays with full confidence the Lord will deliver him in due time. The Lord has proven his love and His desire to save David in the past. David says he will sing praises to the Lord because he recognizes the Almighty will again take care of His anointed.

We may not always know when or how, but we can always trust the Lord will take care of us! It may not be in this life, but we can keep putting our faith and confidence in Him knowing He cares for us. He has proven it time and again. So, may we not fear, but rest easy knowing He is in control and in due time, He will deliver!

Corey Sawyers