This short Psalm is a good example of what should take place in the course of a serious situation in life which, as yet, has not subsided nor shown any tangible divine response. It addresses our feelings and perceptions in the course of having to endure a hardship, trial or persecution, not yet even seeing the potential outcome in our favor.
Q: With what do these verses open up this Psalm?
A: With a complaint.
Q: Why is the question “how long” repeated four times? What is this actually addressing?
A: In v.1, this is a dramatic way of reinforcing the chief concern of how long it will be before God acts on the petitioner’s behalf; in v. 2 it is concern for being left alone with one’s own thoughts to navigate the issue and the source of the problem—“my enemy”, thinking they are successful in their efforts.
Q: So what seems to be the greater spiritual issue presented here?
A: That in the absence of a divine response, we tend to revert to our own “counsel”, our own way of interpreting what is taking place.
Application: It begins with an acknowledgment that it is an issue of faith in that it is not an outright rejection of God, but the danger of succumbing to our own ways and preferences.
Q: What are these verses expressing?
A: A prayer for help.
Q: What does it mean, “enlighten my eyes”?
A: This is a Hebrew idiom for good health. (1 Sam. 14:27, 27; Ps. 38:10) We might say something similar such as, “Restore the luster to my eyes”.
Q: But what seems to be the greater concern again expressed in v.4?
A: That a spiritual victory will be claimed by those who are the source of the problem. What is taking place may be effecting a physical toll, but it’s the spiritual ramifications which are still held as most important.
Application: It escalates to a request to not just address the physical discomfort, but the greater spiritual outcome.
Q: With what do these verses conclude?
A: An expression of confidence.
Q: What is significant about the wording, “But I have trusted”?
A: It is a direct contrast to the previous verses, showing the petitioner’s response to the issues raised. It is phrased as a completed past action to show that in spite of his feelings and the circumstances, he has continually maintained faith and trust in God.
Q: What are the three aspects in which confidence is expressed?
Q: To what pinnacle does this brief Psalm attain in its final verse?
A: It concludes with praise.
Q: How is this praise given in the character of the expression of faith, “I have trusted”?
A: The cause for praise, “Because He has dealt bountifully” is also presented as a completed, past action.
Application: The nature of true praise given in an authentic attitude of praise is to recognize as already completed the work of the Lord regardless of present circumstances.
It does not take long to move from personal turmoil to trust and finally to joy when one’s heart is inclined more toward the spiritual outcome of things than the personal loss or attainment of benefits for one’s self alone.