Psalm 69:13-16
‘My prayer is to You, O Lord — in an acceptable time…. Deliver me out of the mire, and do not let me sink! Let me be delivered…out of the deep waters! Do not let the waterflood overflow me; neither let the deep swallow me up!… Do not let the pit shut its mouth upon me! Hear me, O Lord!… Turn to me!’ Psalm 69:13-16.
Calvin comments: “David… ‘wept, and…his soul fasted, and…he was clothed with sackcloth’ — which were the tokens of mourning among the Jews…. When he saw things in such a state of confusion, he voluntarily engaged in this sorrowful exercise….
“‘But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Jehovah!’… Even…hard treatment could not shake his mind and sink him into despondency….
“Although the faithful in the present day may be unable to make any impression upon the wicked — yet they will ultimately triumph, provided they…go directly to God to present their prayers before Him…. Although it was now a time of trouble with him (David), and although his prayers seemed to be altogether unavailing — yet God’s favour would have its turn also….
“The only means by which in our affliction we can obtain the victory, is by our having hope shining in us in the midst of darkness. And by our having the sustaining influence which arises from waiting for the favour of God….
“The darkness in which he (David) was now involved, would in due time be dispelled…. A serene and unclouded season of God’s favour would succeed…..
“‘Deliver me from the mire, so that I may not sink!’… He had previously said that he was sunk in the mire…. Now he prays that he may not sink in it (further)…. Now, looking to the outcome, although living in the midst of death — he cherishes the hope of deliverance.
“This is expressed still more clearly in the…15th verse, where he prays: ‘Let not the pit close its mouth on me!’ Which is as if he had said: ‘Let not the great multitude and weight of my afflictions overwhelm me, and do not let sorrow swallow me up!’
“‘Answer me, O Jehovah! For Your mercy is good!’… There can be no doubt that he sustained a dreadful conflict…. David…shows that the only consideration which inspired him with hope, was the benignant and merciful character of God….
“He declares both the bitterness of his grief, and the ardour of his desires…. God, in a peculiar manner, invites His servants to him. David…depends on the gratuitous election of God.” So too, should we!
Lord, don’t let me sink in the mire — but deliver me! Have you yet prayed like this?
