Psalms 13:1 - Exposition

How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord? for ever? God cannot forget, but man often feels as if he were forgotten of him (comp. Psalms 42:9 ; Psalms 44:24 ; Lamentations 5:20 ). David seems to have feared that God had forgotten him "for ever." How long wilt then hide thy face from me! (comp. Psalms 30:7 ; Isaiah 1:15 ; Ezekiel 39:29 ). The "light of God's countenance" shining on us is the greatest blessing that we know (see Psalms 4:6 ; Psalms 31:18 ; Psalms 44:4 ; Psalms 67:1 ; Psalms 80:3 , Psalms 80:7 . etc.). When it is withdrawn, and he "hides his face," we naturally sink into despair.