Sin, sickness, and enemies – sounds like a recurring theme in the life of David.  Psalm 41 marks the end of Book 1 in Psalms.  It is divided into five books (1-41, 42-72, 73-89, 90-106, 107-150 with some believing they correspond to the first five books of the Bible).   In the first four verses, David uses the covenant name of God, Lord four times.  He said the Lord delivers the weak, protects and preserves the feeble, sustains and restores the sick, and has mercy and heals the sinner.  This is the hope David had and we have as well.  God is still a saving, healing, delivering God of compassion, protection, sustenance, restoration, and mercy! 

While God treats His people this way, their enemies treat them the total opposite.  They speak maliciously (v. 5), utter slander and lies (v. 6), and whisper and wish evil (vv. 7-8).  Even David’s close friend has turned against him (v. 9).  Jesus quoted this verse in John 13:18-19 when Judas betrayed Him.  In the middle of abandonment, treachery, and lies from your enemies, you can feel as though even God has done these things to you.  Thank God the Psalm doesn’t end there!  Verse 10 says, “But you have mercy on me, Lord!”  He will raise you up!  He is pleased with you and will not let your enemies triumph over you (v. 11).  The Lord knows your integrity (v. 12) and will uphold you, setting you in His presence forever!  The Psalm ends with a song of praise (doxology) that we should remember in the midst of sin, sickness, and enemies – “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Amen and Amen!”

Questions:

1. Have you confessed your sin to the Lord like David did in verse 4?
2. Have you forgotten about the mercy of the Lord in verse 10 because you are so consumed with the enemies of verses 5-9)?
3. Does the Lord know your integrity (v. 12)?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your mercy, provision, protection, deliverance, sustenance, restoration, compassion, and mercy!  Whatever enemy I face, including my sinful self, I will remember your forgiving, restoring mercy that causes me to be eternally victorious.  Praise be to the Lord, Amen and 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.