Have you ever been experienced physical, mental, and relational anguish and anxiety because of your sin?  That’s where we find David in Psalm 38.  He is extremely troubled by his sin, mentioning that in verses 3-4 and 18.  He has confessed his sin (v. 18) and is still undergoing guilt, remorse, and the overwhelming burden of what he knows was sinful.  Sometimes, even when we confess our sins, we remain weighed down by those sins.  I think those feelings can be part of repentance.  We should have an awakening to the horrible sins we have done and have “I can’t believe I did that/I was so stupid!” moments.  I truly question the repentance of some who feel and show no remorse over their sins.  Some of the signs of repentance Paul listed in 2 Corinthians 7:11 show us the product of such signs as alarm, indignation, and eagerness to clear one’s name .  Feeling the weight of sin is not a bad thing.  David felt God’s wrath (hate and justice towards sin) in v. 1-4).  When we sin, we offend a holy God and cause separation between Him and others.  This was also David undergoing the conviction of the Holy Spirit leading us back to God.  God’s “hand has come down upon” him (v. 2).

While we should feel the weight of our sins as they are wicked, we should not carry the burden of grief and condemnation.  We should allow the forgiveness of the Lord to heal us as we stop sinning.  The devil loves to shame us in our sinful past, but God loves to forgive and free us (Galatians 6:1).  David’s sin has caused him grief inside and out.  Now, David’s guilt and condemnation over his sin has gone too far, causing even his closest friends to steer clear of him (v. 11).  Even his enemies are using his past sins against him (v. 12) and slandering his reputation (v. 20).  David tells us about his mental and physical suffering (vv. 5-20).  The wounds from his sin are festering and their stench are loathsome (v. 5).  He has been humbled by his sin (v. 6), even feeling back pain and heartache (vv. 7-8).  David has not been silent with the Lord about all of this either (v. 9).  He needs to the Lord to deliver him from the shame of his past, the scorn of his present, and the sadness of his future – all things the Lord can do!  Not willing to get overwhelmed and overtaken by all of this, David eagerly waits for the Lord (v. 15).  He trusts the Lord will not abandon him (v. 21) and come quickly to his rescue (v. 22), ending this psalm by calling the Lord his Savior!  This psalm teaches us not only to repent of our sins, but not to let them or others shame us but receive and walk in the forgiveness of God.  Thank God He heals us and sets us free from the presence, penalty, and power of sin!

Questions:

1. Are you still weighed down by past sins you have confessed?
2. Are you fearful of what others will do if they find out about your sin?
3. Are you walking in complete forgiveness and healing from sin?

Prayer:

Thank You Lord for your forgiveness.  Thank You that in my sin Your heavy hand is upon me leading me back to Your presence and blessing.  Thank you for redeeming and restoring instead of condemning and shaming.  As I experience the weight of my sin, help me know you took that full burden on the cross.  Your forgiving and cleansing power are a sweet symphony to my soul.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.