A Prayer in Times of Trouble
June 21, 2025
Commentary
David’s enemies spent all their waking hours planning treachery and trying to kill him (v. 12). At times David sat deaf and dumb in God’s presence (v.13). David never expected anything like this when he first began to play with sin. Neither do we. David was deaf to all their threats and silent as a man that can’t speak (v. 14). This is called a penitential psalm because David expressed sorrow for his sins, confessed them, and repented (vv. 15-22). When we repent of our sin, God promises to forgive us. He delivers us from sin’s eternal consequences although he does not promise to undo all of sins earthly consequences. David’s need was great and his situation desperate.
David was waiting for the Lord to come and protect him (v. 15). He wanted to put a stop to those who were gloating when he was cast down (v. 16). David was constantly on the verge of sin and this source of sorrow always stared him in the face (v. 17). He confessed his sins and told the Lord that he was sorry for what he had done (v. 18). His enemies continued to persecute him with vigor and hate, even though he had not done anything against them (v. 19). They repaid him with evil for good and hated him for standing for what was right (v. 20). He begged the Lord not to leave him (v. 21) and to come quickly and help him (v. 22).
Application
David knew that he was weak spiritually and that his enemies were after him, so he cried out to God for help. I am weak and the forces of evil are after me, so I need to spend time in prayer.
Psalms 38:12–22 (NET)
12 Those who seek my life try to entrap me; those who want to harm me speak destructive words. All day long they say deceitful things.
13 But I am like a deaf man—I hear nothing; I am like a mute who cannot speak.
14 I am like a man who cannot hear and is incapable of arguing his defense.
15 Yet I wait for you, O Lord! You will respond, O Lord, my God!
16 I have prayed for deliverance, because otherwise they will gloat over me; when my foot slips they will arrogantly taunt me.
17 For I am about to stumble, and I am in constant pain.
18 Yes, I confess my wrongdoing, and I am concerned about my sins.
19 But those who are my enemies for no reason are numerous; those who hate me without cause outnumber me.
20 They repay me evil for the good I have done; though I have tried to do good to them, they hurl accusations at me.
21 Do not abandon me, O Lord. My God, do not remain far away from me.
22 Hurry and help me, O Lord, my deliverer.
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