But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13:5-6 NIV

Faith in the unfailing love of the Lord is the greatest source of strength and joy possible. David begins this psalm in desperation, seeking the Lord in the midst of danger presented by his enemies. The great king knew that in his own power he could do nothing to overcome his trouble. But, with the help of God, David knew that he could overcome anything. 

We sometimes may think of our own inability as a failure of God to support us. However, David knew that in spite of his limitations, the Lord is a reliable source of strength and salvation. David cries out in Psalm 13:1, “How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? forever? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me? KJV” With these words, it is clear that David is waiting for God to answer his pleas for help.

Give Light to My Eyes

The king says in Psalm 13:3-4, “Look on me and answer, Lord my God. Give light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death, and my enemy will say, ‘I have overcome him,’ and my foes will rejoice when I fall. NIV” This statement reveals that David believes that only the Lord can save him from his perilous situation. 

David placed his trust in God but did not know the timing of his deliverance. Rather than act alone in fear, he turned to the Lord and placed his trust in him. He knew from past experience and from scripture that God delivers his faithful even when to human reason the situation seems impossible to overcome. 

And so, at the close of this Psalm, David’s tone changes sharply from desperation to a song of praise. He knew as the apostle Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5:7 “we walk by faith, not by sight. WEB” Even facing certain death at the hands of his enemies, David says, “but I trust in your unfailing love.”

Yesterday’s Devotional: Heaven Is at Hand