The Lord’s Discipline
July 16, 2021
Commentary
David’s sin resulted in health problems (vv. 1-8) and it separated him from both God and others. This caused extreme loneliness (vv. 9-11). David was deserted by his friends and threatened by his foes. His only hope was to trust in the Lord. David knew he had sinned. A rebuke from God was necessary.
He asked the Lord not to punish him in his anger (v. 1). The Lord’s arrows had penetrated deeply (v. 2). David had no doubts that his condition was a direct result of God’s judgment on him. No one gets away with sin.
David had lost his physical strength. His whole body was aching continually, and his age had bent him (v. 6). He was also suffering in his soul and in his mind. The servants in the royal palace must have whispered to themselves at the cries from David’s sick room as he cried out from the very depths of his soul (v. 8).
His health was gone (v. 9). His heart beat wildly and he was loosing eyesight (v. 10). His near acquaintances and relatives kept their distance from him in his suffering (v. 11).
Application
When I hesitate to confess sin in my life I need to think of the possible consequences to my life and the lives of my family and others. The Lord is quick to forgive but the consequences also affect the lives of my family and friends as well as myself. It is wonderful to have a heavenly Father who is “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (II Peter 3:9). It is good that God has promised to forgive me of every sin I commit, past, present and future (I John 1:9).
Psalms 38:1–11 (NET)
1 O Lord, do not continue to rebuke me in your anger. Do not continue to punish me in your raging fury.
2 For your arrows pierce me, and your hand presses me down.
3 My whole body is sick because of your judgment; I am deprived of health because of my sin.
4 For my sins overwhelm me; like a heavy load, they are too much for me to bear.
5 My wounds are infected and starting to smell, because of my foolish sins.
6 I am dazed and completely humiliated; all day long I walk around mourning.
7 For I am overcome with shame, and my whole body is sick.
8 I am numb with pain and severely battered; I groan loudly because of the anxiety I feel.
9 O Lord, you understand my heart’s desire; my groaning is not hidden from you.
10 My heart beats quickly; my strength leaves me. I can hardly see.
11 Because of my condition, even my friends and acquaintances keep their distance; my neighbors stand far away.
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