As with all laments/complaints we have, this psalm is an exemplar of how we should handle our situation. In this psalm David brings his complaint to God (1-2) not to those around him. He then asks of God to help him through this time (3-4), he does not ask for others to help him through by any means at all. He finalizes the prayer with praise (5-6). When we take our complaints to people who cannot do anything about it or who will handle it without godliness, we end up bitter and unfulfilled. When we take our complaints to the One who can do something about it and He will do it thoroughly and with justice, we will be praising not complaining. The next time you have an injustice in your life, take it to the Lord in prayer. By the way, David’s complaint was that either Saul or Absalom was attempting to kill him, what is your complaint?
David shows real pain in the first two verses. He states that he is hurting, it seems as if God has forgotten him, and his enemies are victorious. Whether these are accurate statements is not the point, the point is that David feels isolated. He is hurting, he thinks God isn’t there because he thinks the ones who hate him are victorious. The only one that is accurate is that David is hurting. He presumes the other two. His prayer in verse three is for God to give him insight into the truth (read Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1). When this is done, praise happens. He is still hurting and it appears that his enemies (2) have the upper hand. What has changed in all this is David’s view of God. Who is it that you serve?
I think certain circumstances and trials in life make us question God’s character. Because of our suffering and hurt, we feel that God has forgotten us and has not heard our cries. But, He is with us through everything, and will bring us out of darkness, in His own timing. Our hope and trust must remain in Him and we must praise Him despite our sorrows; otherwise, our faith will fail.