Psalm 13 (How Long, O Lord)

Psalm 13 is commonly described as a Psalm of Lament. It brings God a series of honest, difficult questions:
-Will you forget me forever?
-How long will you hide Your face from me?
-How long must I...have sorrow in my heart?

It then turns, and responds in hope: "But I have trusted in your steadfast love. My heart will rejoice in Your salvation"! May we never feel like it is wrong to lament. But may we always find hope in the promises of God in Christ.

I believe there are two things that are sorely lacking in modern worship: Lament and Scripture. This song provides both. The vocabulary of the psalmist is a gift to any who are struggling, doubting, or mournful. The lyrics are word-for-word Scripture from the English Standard Version (ESV), nothing added or removed.

I wrote it to be a choral piece, but have also grown to love it as a congregational song.