Prayer: Father, may I learn from David’s life, his sorrows, his failures, and his successes. In all phases of his life, You were there. May I have a penitent heart as David did. Amen.
Reading: Psalm 38 key: vs. 7-11
7 I am bent over, bowed down greatly.
All day I walk about in mourning.
8 For my heart is filled with burning pain,
and there is no health in my body.
9 I am numb and utterly crushed.
I groan because of anguish in my heart.
10 My Lord, all my longing is before You,
and my sighing is not hidden from You.
11 My heart pounds, my strength fails me.
The light of my eyes—also, not with me.
Attention: Is there any question as to the gravity of the grief and mourning which David is feeling? Have I ever been this downcast and downtrodden? Has my countenance matched or exceeded the level of sorrow which David is expressing? I have experienced some deeply low moments.
It is not known which sin David is grieving. Was it the sin of adultery with Bathsheba or the plotted murder of her husband Uriah (2 Sam. 11) but it was something deeply impactful. He is expressing near desperation when admits this is a “burden too heavy for me.” This sin has caused him to walk “bent over, “and feeling “numb.” His heart is “filled with burning pain.” He feels sick, nauseated, with “no health in his body.”
What does David do to relieve the pain? He cries out to the One who can forgive and restore him. He “confesses his guilt (vs. 19),” and he reaches to Adonai, “my Lord, my salvation (vs. 23).” David did not like the distance or separation of sin from God. Neither do I. He cries out, “Do not forsake me, Adonai. O my God, be not far away from me.”
We are told in Scripture, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (Jacob/James 4:8).” The first step is yours. God promises to respond.
Action: I will be quick to repent and draw near to God.
Yield: Giving my sorrow and pain over to God begins my restoration.
Engage: When I draw near, He draws near.
Relationship: My action of repentance activates God’s response to forgiveness.
Prayer: Father, I hate distance or separation with You. I love closeness with You, however. I ask like David, never leave, or forsake, or abandon me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Memory Verse: Jacob/James 4:8
8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded!
Music Video: Unto Thee, O Lord With Lyrics By; Lyn Alejandrino Hopkins.wmv
Remember, “Abide in Jesus, today!”