Thy Strong Word - Psalm 13. Keep praying saints: How long, O LORD?

Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 13.

“How long, O LORD?” David laments as he does not see a way out of his situation. How often do you feel that way? “How long will you forget me forever?” The brokenness of this life was felt by David and by us. The LORD allows us to lament to Him as He is patient and He has provided a greater hope than any brokenness we could experience: steadfast love in Christ. By His suffering, He knows our suffering, and By His work, we know our salvation. “O LORD, light up our eyes with faith in Your promises. Thank you for the gift of lament and grant us a peace in the foundation of Christ’s steadfast love. Great is Your faithfulness. In Him, Amen”

Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Psalm 13

How Long, O Lord?

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

13 How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
How long will you hide your face from me?
²How 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?

³Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,
⁴lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”
lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

⁵But I have trusted in your steadfast love;
my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.
⁶I will sing to the Lord,
because he has dealt bountifully with me.

English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org

Rev. Brady Finnern

Rev. Brady Finnern, host of Thy Strong Word. is an expert in all things Minnesota, including hiking the great mountains of the 5th flattest state in the Union and making his own maple syrup. Although chow mein, fried ice cream, and Peanut Persian donuts with maple frosting are at the top of his foodie list, his prized possessions include his gas station refillable fountain soda cup (which, he says, the savings will pay for college for his 4 kids). Pastor Finnern's Divine Call is as President of the LCMS Minnesota North District, and in addition he also enjoys traveling, coaching track, and movie nights with his wife and kids that may or may not include Shawshank Redemption or any of the Thriller movies. When he's not singing his favorite hymns or listening to his favorite metal music, you might find him working out or taking naps. (Probably naps.)