Psalm 12 (13)

For the End; a psalm by David

How long, O Lord? Will You forget me to
The end?
How long will You turn Your face from
Me?
How long will I take counsel in my soul,
Having grief in my heart daily?
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Look about me and hear me, O Lord
My God;
Enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep in death,
Lest my enemy say,
“I prevailed against him;”
Those who afflict me greatly rejoice, if
I am shaken.
But I hope in Your mercy;
My heart shall greatly rejoice in Your
Salvation;
I will sing to the Lord, who shows
kindness to me;
I will sing to the name of the Lord
Most High.

Commentary from the Orthodox Study Bible

Psalm 12 (13) teaches the Church how to attain to an exceedingly joyful heart in singing to the Lord who is the End:
(1) by godly sorrow and repentance over sins committed, lest the deveil and sinful passions (my enemy) be victorious;
(2) by petitioning the Lord to enlighten the eyes of the ehart, lest the sleep in death overtake one; and
(3) by hoping in the Lord’s mercy.

Psalm 12 (13) is an evening prayer, used in Great Compline and in the services of Great Lent.

Comments

I think about how over thousands of years, believers have prayed this prayer. How we can feel like God, how long am I going to ask you about this? Hear me, God. Yet, I hope in the Lord, for He is good. Open my eyes so I can see with wisdom and love. I know you will be kind to me, and I will sing to You of Your kindness. The art creation that I chose to be the image for this post is for that time—for the time my heart sings to the Lord. Yes, this interim is tough, but joy comes in the morning.