Psalm 13 – A Model for Lament
Jason Elliotson

Psalm 13:1–6 (ESV)
TO THE CHOIRMASTER. A PSALM OF DAVID. 1 How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2 How long must I take counsel in my soul and have sorrow in my heart all the day? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,” lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken. 5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the LORD, because he has dealt bountifully with me.

Lament: A prayer of pain that leads to trust

God invites me to:

1 – Pour out my Heart to Him (1-2) – complain honestly

2 – Open my Hands to Him (3-4) – ask earnestly

3 – Lift up my Eyes to Him (5-6) – gaze consciously