Psalms
Chapter 13
In this psalm, David asks God four times how long his trouble will last. He feels forgotten, sad every day, and beaten down by an enemy. He asks God to answer him before he dies, then turns and says he still trusts God's love and will sing to him.
Plain reading written for preteens. Clear and complete, at about a fifth grade reading level.
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me?
1How long will you forget me, LORD? Will it be forever? How long will you turn your face away from me?
2How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?
2How long must I argue with myself, feeling sad in my heart every day? How long will my enemy win over me?
3Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death;
3Look at me and answer me, LORD my God. Put light back in my eyes, or I will fall asleep in death.
"Lighten mine eyes" means to bring back light to tired, failing eyes. Dull eyes were a picture of someone worn out and close to death.
4Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved.
4If you don't, my enemy will say, "I beat him." The ones who hurt me will be glad when I fall.
5But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.
5But I have trusted your faithful love. My heart will be glad when you save me.
6I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.
6I will sing to the LORD, because he has been very good to me.
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