How Long, Lord, How Long?

In Psalm 6, David’s anguish is evident in his writing. He pleads with God to spare him from rebuke and discipline. When we make mistakes, natural consequences often follow. However, when we consider the Lord’s rebuke and discipline, we can ultimately trust that they are for our good.

There are times, though, when we find ourselves like David—burdened by lingering problems and past mistakes. The weight of guilt and struggle can feel debilitating, and we may fear that God’s rebuke will bring negative consequences. David cries out, “How long?” and asks, “Who praises you from the grave?” While we do not know the exact reasons for his anguish in this Psalm, we do know that he is deeply depressed, regardless of the cause. The end of the Psalm suggests that people were coming against him, which would explain his concern over whether they would be turned away.

I take comfort in how David concludes this Psalm. He describes sleepless nights filled with weeping and sorrow because of his foes. Yet, he then proclaims, “Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer” (vv. 8–9). David does not specify how the Lord will help, but the tone of the Psalm shifts dramatically—from desperation and near despair to an assurance that God has heard him and will act.

If your soul is in deep anguish, take comfort in knowing that the Lord hears and accepts our prayers. Jesus extends an invitation to the weary: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28–29).