A Heart Cry

Read Psalms 13, 17, 23, 26, 28, 31
 
Psalms 13:1-6 O Lord, how long will you forget me? Forever? How long will you look the other way? 2 How long must I struggle with anguish in my soul, with sorrow in my heart every day? How long will my enemy have the upper hand? 3 Turn and answer me, O Lord my God! Restore the sparkle to my eyes, or I will die.
 
HAVE you ever prayed to God, “Turn and answer me, or I will die!” This seems as if David demanded an answer from God. Was he telling God what to do?
   David was desperate for God to speak to him as Saul pursued him. David wondered, “Why is God allowing Saul to persecute me? Why is he not stopping Saul’s hateful vengeance?” “Is God on my side?” David starved for God’s answer. He needed to know, “When will this end?” We can more readily endure the trouble when we know the trouble will stop. “Turn and answer me!” was David’s heart cry to know God was with him and God was going to end this trouble. He wanted God’s face turned toward him. To know someone loves you, you must be face-to-face.  
   David longed for God to “Restore the sparkle in my eye, or I will die.” David had a particular pleasure and happiness – a sparkle – in his eye for God. As other psalms and Samuel 22 tell us, David found great pleasure in proclaiming God’s victories, virtues and goodness. He rejoiced often in God’s provision for his life, even amid the tragedies. David extolled the LORD’s majesty and proclaimed El Shaddai’s sovereign care and eternal promise to his countrymen and to the world.  
   But here was a time David missed that sparkle. He was despondent awaiting God’s resolution. Always watching for Saul would have made it difficult to see God’s goodness. David knew he needs an “eye lift” – a cleansing of doubt and despair from his soul. It’s time again to fully grasp God’s loving hand in his hand. He was feeling alone. So he pleaded with God to revive the joy of his heart.
   We’ve seen similar personal pleading, almost commanding words from Moses. David and Moses each had an extraordinary intimate relationship with God. They worshiped his majesty. And they upheld the power of his commands. Yet, there were times they were urgent for God to immediately say or do what they wanted him to do. They did not always pray, “if it is your will, God.” But these leaders spoke very directly, seeking the Almighty God’s quick response.
   In truth, God certainly knows what is on your heart. He knows what you need. Perhaps he’s waiting for you to urgently speak to him in your deep distress. Maybe he’s waiting for you to pray, “Return the sparkle to my eye.” We would do well to honestly speak what we feel. Then faithfully we can wait for the LORD’s will to be done.
   God shows us he can receive even the most desperate heart cries from our soul. Even the Son of God urgently prayed, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” (Matthew 27:46)