Daily Scripture Assignment: Deut 16-18; Ps 38; Gal 2

Jason StonecipherScripture – Psalm 38 (Click to Read)

Observation - This is a psalm of penitence, a prayer for deliverance from God's conviction and chastening for his sins.  Physical ailments have come upon David because of sin and the stress that weighs on him. He’s also dealing with his perception of God’s righteous anger.  The impact of his physical symptoms were terrible.  It deeply impacted his relationship with family and loved ones, while his enemies, as enemies will, took advantage of the situation and plotted against him.

It has been suggested that Psalms 38 may have been written after Psalms 51 and 32, following the events surrounding David's sin with Bathsheba. Either way, the pressure of sin on David is evident as his life seemingly falls apart around him.

Application – Sin is a terrible thing and its consequences can be devastating. Sin that is unconfessed and not dealt with can bring incredible stress, guilt and conviction, all of which can make you really sick in body and ruin the relationships around you, as in David’s case.

I know there have been times in my life when my sin has weighed me down to the point of feeling sick and mentally anguished. There’s always that temptation to hide our faults, mistakes and bad choices (like when you’re posting on a blog!!) so that no one will see that we’re just like them. Like Adam, we want to hide our nakedness and transparency so that no one can see us as we are, but the most liberating thing is also one of the most frightening… to confess that sin and be free of it.

When it comes to sin we need to trust God and run to Him, not from Him. Hiding from Him is a futile and useless endeavor since He’s not fooled by anything. What a funny thought to stand there posturing before God. I wonder how many times a day He rolls His eyes at me! How great that he loves me and accepts me, regardless of all of my faults and silly thoughts. How much better to simply come to Him honestly and openly and let Him forgive me, heal me and teach me how to live that much closer to Him!

David’s sin was eating away at him. Going to God with that is the only thing that alleviated it. There may be consequences to our sin, but God, being as gracious as ever, not only forgives us when we repent, but helps us through the consequences we brought on our own head.

Hiding from ourselves and our sin is deadly and hiding from God is pointless. I trust Him and I know He’ll take care of me as I grow up into the person He wants me to be.

Prayer – Father, thank You for conviction, I welcome it. It keeps me bound to the path You’ve set before me and helps me to follow Your ways. When I stray and make bad choices, You are always there to correct me, redeem me from them and help get my heart right again. Without You I’d forever be lost, so I welcome Your correction and love whole-heartedly. Help me to always respond quickly with a repentant heart. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Keep me in that light and help me stay on the path. In Jesus’ name, amen.