King David wrote Psalm 23 – a beloved psalm packed with promises. He also wrote Psalm 13 – a not nearly so well-known psalm ringing with despair. This morning, I juxtaposed the two psalms and was struck by their stark contrast and yet the singular accord of their resolution. Today, be comforted: the Lord is the same whether you are singing for joy or wailing with grief. Trust him.
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The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?
How long will You hide Your face from me?
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
How long shall I take counsel in my soul,
Having sorrow in my heart all the day?
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for His name’s sake.
How long will my enemy be exalted over me?
Even though I walk through
the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;
enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,”
and my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken.
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness.
Surely goodness and lovingkindness
Will follow me all the days of my life.
My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
I will sing to the Lord,
because He has dealt bountifully with me.