“How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me?” — Psalm 13:1
David doesn’t start this psalm with faith. He starts with frustration. He doesn’t begin by declaring God’s goodness—he questions it. Four times he says, “How long?” He feels forgotten. Abandoned. Unheard.
And he tells God about it.
Sometimes we think faith is silent endurance. But the Bible shows us something else. Real faith brings its pain to God. Real trust laments. David wasn’t punished for this prayer—he was recorded in Scripture for it.
God can handle your questions. He’s not threatened by your honesty. He doesn’t withdraw when you bring your raw emotion to Him—in fact, that’s when He often draws near.
David ends the psalm not in despair, but in trust: “But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation.” He didn’t deny his pain. But he refused to let it define his view of God.
If God is silent, it does not mean He is absent. If He delays, it does not mean He doesn’t care. And if your prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, remember—they are still heard. Sometimes, the deepest prayers are those we barely manage to utter. Sometimes, God’s answer begins with our surrender.
When God doesn’t answer, don’t stop praying. Don’t stop hoping. Don’t stop trusting.
Cross-References:
-
“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.” — Psalm 40:1
-
“Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, and He will hear my voice.” — Psalm 55:17
-
“The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.” — Psalm 34:17
Prayer Prompt:
Tell God exactly how you feel today—then choose to trust His heart.