Psalm 38 is a lament psalm. David begins the psalm with a cry to God for mercy. The weight of David’s sin is affecting him mentally, physically and emotionally. David realizes the discipline of the LORD upon him is because of his own sin and foolishness and he cries out to God “I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” (vs 18) His suffering has caused his loved ones to avoid him and his enemies to plot against him. David’s need was great and his situation was desperate.
David in his desperation and turmoil cries out to God. David realizes he is helpless to help himself and knows God is the only One who can help him. “But for you, O LORD, do I wait; it is you, O LORD my God who will answer.” (vs 15)
Just as with David, in my own life, my sin brings weight on my soul that affects my thoughts, emotions and physical health. Also, just as David in this psalm, there comes a time when I realize that God alone is my only hope. God does not merely provide my salvation HE IS my salvation.
God’s Word clearly teaches us that true hope and comfort can only be found in resting in the certainty of God Himself, so in times of repentance and desperation I pray we will seek God and His Word first and find His hope and comfort as we remember His amazing love, grace, forgiveness and mercy for us.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave His only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
“and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.” Psalm 33:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD; though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18
“Behold God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:2
“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in Him. The LORD is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him. “Lamentations 3:22-25
“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” Psalm 18:1-3
- Karen P.