There are TWO words, repeated FOUR times in the form of FOUR questions which provide the key to this soul searching Song. "How long? . . . how long? . . . how long? . . . how long?":
(1) "How long wilt thou forget me, 0 Lord?"
(2) "How long wilt thou hide thy face from me?"
(3) "How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily?"
(4) "How long shall mine enemy be exalted over me?"
These words may be applied to David, to CHRIST, to Israel and to all the holy of all the ages. They rehearse the constantly perplexing and pressing heart cries and questionings of the tired, tested, and sorely tempted people of GOD everywhere. Adversity however is not necessarily evil. Trouble is not always caused by personal impurity and crookedness. Sorrow and suffering are not always the product of personal sin. Indeed, in a world which has gone so very far from GOD and holiness, adversity should be expected and the tribulation welcomed. We need to know what is in us as well as in others. Adversity may be a means of self knowledge.
In our present state it may be essential to our development and perfection. Through sorrow and suffering we may learn to trust in GOD instead of depending upon the failing arm of fickle and failing man. Bereavement is a common experience but the believer does not suffer as those without hope. He suffers, he feels loss. He may mourn, he may weep, he may sorrow, but not without hope. The sorrows of saints are real but their comforts and consolations by far exceed the measure of their distresses and miseries.