The misery the author must endure is taking over his life and it troubles his vision. It is significant that the Hebrew words eni
(my eye) and oni
(my suffering) form a play of words here. In all his misery he remains a poet who verbalizes his emotions in an artistic manner.
And he continues to powerfully beseech the Lord each day. Only the Lord can set him free from this. He remains convinced of that. That is why he continues to pray (compare Psalm 88:1 and Psalm 88:13). With all the energy that he still has—with his hands stretched out, as people prayed in that time—he approaches God. O Lord, it is now time for you to help me,
he prays. We are also to call upon God when misery surrounds us and jumps at us from all sides. Persevere in prayer to the Lord. For that reason, there are lamentation psalms—also ones like this serious and deep one—in Scripture.
Heman is not quietly and heroically accepting his death. He does not deny his despair and hopelessness. Openly admitting to being in agony is not a cause for shame. In this way, we are comforted by this Psalm.
9 my eye grows dim through sorrow. Every day I call upon you, O LORD; I spread out my hands to you.