Psalm 38
In my quiet time this morning, I was led to Psalm 38 by a reference in one of the books I use for devotions. I also read it March 18th because it is dated and marked up.
I need it this morning. Maybe you do as well. From the notes in the margin next to the verses:
Consequences of sin and iniquity:
There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your anger, nor any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head ; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and festering because of MY FOOLISHNESS. (3-5)
The pain of the struggle with our flesh:
I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. For my loins are full of inflammation, and there is not soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. (6-8)
God sees. God knows:
Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. My heart pants, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also has gone from me. (9-10)
No help can be found in people:
My loved ones and my friends stand aloof from my plague, and my relatives stand afar off. Those also who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek my hurt speak of destruction, and plan deception all day long. (11-12)
The Answer:
For in You, O LORD, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God
Whatever pain we are going through, even and especially the pain that is the result of our sin and iniquity, God is The Answer. He is the only One who can forgive us, restore us and redeem the sins and iniquity of our past.
In this day and age of social networking and far too many talking heads, it is easy to attempt to find solace for our woes and confirmation of our rights.
But as we turn to God in His Word and allow Him to do the deep work of cleansing in our souls and spirits, we can confess our own sins and those committed against us and seek His deliverance and help.
May God bless you in whatever you are facing today <3
*all passages are from NKJV The Jeremiah Study Bible, 2013 by David Jeremiah Inc. Worthy Publishing (and God breathed through King David) <3