Psalm 38

Posted by On March 30, 2015 0 Comment

A Basic Outline
My Request, 1
…do not rebuke..nor chasten me
The occasion for my request, 2
…Your arrows pierce..Your hand presses
The reason for my condition, 3-5
…because of Your anger
…because of my sin
…because of my foolishness
Description of condition, 6-11
Physically, 6-8
…troubled…bowed down…mourning
…inflammation…no soundness
…feeble…broken… I groan
Spiritually, 9-10
…all my desire before You…not hidden
…heart pants…strength fails…light..has gone
Relationally, 11-12
…loved ones..friends stand aloof
…(enemies) lay snares…speak…plan…
My Response, 13-14
…like a deaf man..a mute
Reason for my silence = my prayer, 15-20
…for, in You, O Lord, I hope…You will hear”
…for I said, “hear me…” (I’ve requested help)
…for I am ready to fall (my urgent need)
…for I will declare (confession)
…but my enemies are vigorous (my urgent need)
My Request, 21-22
…do not forsake… be not far… make haste

What sticks out?
The extended description of sin’s effects… both physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and relational. It’s ugly.
What difference does this make?
I would rather have the negative consequences of righteousness than the negative consequences of sin. I’d rather have people against me than You. People against me and You for me… I’ll survive that. Many are the afflictions of the righteous. The future of the righteous man is peace.

What sticks out?
“I am ready to fall… But my enemies are vigorous…”
What difference does this make?
I feel this way. Do I cry out to You when I feel this way? David brought this dilemma to You. He was silent as he waited for Your salvation. Sometimes it feels like prayer is merely one of my responses to stress… I have plenty to say to my enemies. David was silent. He didn’t fix things with his mouth. He waited for You.
Help me to choose silent trust in You over foolishly flailing words aimed at enemies.