The Bible Says
Psalm 69:13-15 Meaning

The psalmist humbly acknowledges his dependence on the Lord as he cries out, But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth (v. 13). Psalm 69:13-15 reflects an awareness that God hears and responds in His perfect timing, even if human expectations might demand immediate answers. David, who is traditionally recognized as the author of this psalm and who reigned as king of Israel from 1010 to 970 BC, pours out his heart in desperation, knowing he needs divine intervention.

By saying my prayer is to You, the psalmist underscores that he has no other alternative but to seek God alone. He acknowledges the Lord’s character as the one who bestows grace and lovingkindness. The language of Answer me with Your saving truth highlights the psalmist’s hope that the very nature of God will be his rescue. This hope resonates with many New Testament promises that point to God’s faithfulness toward those who call upon Him (Romans 10:13).

Moreover, at an acceptable time reminds us that God often orchestrates events and circumstances in ways that align with His larger redemptive plan. Waiting on the Lord calls for faith, but it also leads to a deeper trust in the unchanging goodness of the Almighty. Jesus, who came preaching the kingdom of heaven, fulfills the ultimate expression of God’s lovingkindness (Luke 1:78).

The psalmist continues with a vivid plea in Deliver me from the mire and do not let me sink; May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters (v. 14). This language paints a picture of being trapped or overwhelmed, where an individual cannot escape on their own. It shows that the psalmist is fully aware of his helplessness and desires God’s intervention to prevent total destruction.

The desperation portrayed in do not let me sink points to life—threatening danger. David has faced numerous perilous circumstances—fleeing from King Saul, confronting neighboring enemies, and struggling with internal strife during his reign. Here, he seeks God’s deliverance, trusting that the Lord can pull him out of the darkest waters. His petition captures the sense that, apart from God’s help, he will be overcome by his trials.

When the psalmist says May I be delivered from my foes and from the deep waters, he is also expressing confidence that God’s strength is greater than any human or natural threat. From a broader biblical perspective, deep waters often represent chaos or grave danger. Yet the psalmist trusts that the very One who created the waters (Genesis 1:9-10) can also save him from them.

Continuing, the psalmist declares, May the flood of water not overflow me Nor the deep swallow me up, Nor the pit shut its mouth on me (v. 15). With this imagery, he emphasizes the severity of his plight. Floodwaters and sinking pits appear unstoppable, but the psalmist implores God to hold back this calamity, believing that only the Lord’s intervention can preserve his life.

The request that the pit not shut its mouth captures a sense of finality—if David were to be swallowed by misfortune, there might be no visible return. Yet he knows that God’s power spans every realm, offering hope in even the bleakest scenarios. This same protective care appears in the New Testament, where Christ’s redemptive sacrifice ensures that the ultimate sting of death is defeated (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

The plea resonates with anyone who feels weighed down by oppressive circumstances or surrounded by relentless trouble. The psalmist’s raw vulnerability testifies that, in desperation, drawing near to God is the surest path to hope and wholeness. By clinging to His saving truth, believers of every era discover that no wave or pit is beyond the reach of the Almighty.