Praying the Psalms with Augustine and Friends

Chapter 1: Psalms 1–17

35

Psalm 13 with Theodoret of Cyrus – Handling Discouragement

How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? (v. 2). I am constantly worn out night and day, turning over my thoughts again and again, at one time hoping to enjoy your loving-kindness, at another wondering if my mind will hold, at another surrendering my firm hope. How long will my enemy be lifted up? It is appropriate to apply this prayer to ourselves when under attack from the devil, and to call on divine help unceasingly: David was distressed to see his enemies more powerful than he. Look on me and answer, LORD my God, give light to my eyes, or I will I sleep in death (v. 3). By night I am overwhelmed by my problems, in the grip of discouragement like a kind of sleep. But if the light of your assistance shines, it will disperse the darkness of trouble and put an end to the sleep of discouragement. If, on the other hand, you delay your help, I am afraid the sleep will turn into death, as the distress becomes stronger than my resolve. My heart will rejoice in your salvation (v. 5). Now I have hope in your mercy, and enjoying salvation I shall be rid of my downheartedness and make music with complete satisfaction. He added this, in fact: I will sing the LORD’s praise, for he has been good to me (v. 6).