A Study of Psalm 38
Psalm 38
Introduction
- Wed night format; opportunity to study together from our homes
-- Ask questions if you'd like in the comments (during this time or later)
-- Re: Invite someone else to join in - not an exclusive study for "just LFC"
- Psalms are songs of praise and words of encouragement/warning
- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … primary focus on David's experience
- The Psalms have already given us plenty of opportunities to praise
- We are all busy … but if we are too busy to praise God it's time to re-evaluate
- Read Psalm 38:1-22/ Pray
Point 1 - David's anguish on display
- David cries out to the Lord because of what he is dealing with today
" He requests God's relief (v1-2)
o Do not rebuke me:
" This comes from his realization of his sin
" IMP: His cry is one of asking for relief
o Do not discipline me:
" He feels that God's discipline is like arrows in him
" Oppressed, he feels that God is pressing on him
" APP: Pay attention to word use: sin = physical separation
" He recognizes his sin (v3-4)
o David knew that his ailments were because of his sin
o IMP: Not all sickness is God's punishment; but this was
o He knew that it was causing him to feel this way (no soundness)
o Guilt has overwhelmed me; confession of what is happening
o APP: For us, our sin guilt ought to oppress us; make is repent
- It is sin that has caused David to feel separated from God
-- HUGE LESSON: We too can have the same feeling … sin breaks fellowship
- David then goes through a list of things he is feeling; oppression of his soul
-- But more than that … he has physical ailments
- Critical for us … again … sin breaks fellowship and will affect our relationship
-- APP: When your heart longs for someone, being apart is painful
-- This is what this whole next section demonstrates …
" My wounds fester (v5)
" My spirit mourns (v6)
" My back hurts (v7)
" My heart groans (v8)
" My soul sighs for relief (v9)
" My heart pounds (v10)
" My friends leave (v11)
" My foes conspire (v12)
" My hearing and speech fail me (v13-16)
- TRANS: So, how does David remedy this? How does he change his situation?
Point 2 - David confesses his sin
- David always has a common theme when it comes to confessing his sin
-- First step: admit where he is wrong and who he has sinned against
- "My guilt is before God"
" My strength is gone (v17-18a)
o This is because of his actions
o It is because of the choices he has made
" It is sin (v18b)
o Most importantly, "what I have done is sin"
o LESSON: If we won't call it sin, how can we repent of it?
o See lots of this in today's society:
" It's not murder, it's a choice a woman makes (abortion)
" It's not lust, it's just a little web surfing
" It's not idolatry, it's just who I choose to worship
o APP: David sees it as sin to disobey God, and so should we!
" My enemies hate me (v19)
" My enemies oppose me (v20)
o Even when I try to do good, I am slandered against
- APP: B/c of his sin against God, he feels God has brought this to him
-- God will discipline those who rebel against him; the manner is his choice
-- David is reeling from the pain his heart feels from his choices
- Therefore, he makes a brave and desperate plea to God …
" God, come near (v21)
" God, come now (v22)
- His calling is on the only one who can remedy this situation
-- It is reaching out to God alone who can restore his heart/soul
- He asks for four specific things from God (great application of us in prayer)
" Do not forsake me: Don't cast me aside
" Be not far from me: Don't leave me here
" Come quickly: I am afraid and feel alone
" Help me: Best prayer anyone could ever pray to God
o Shows dependency
o Demonstrates reliance not on you
Big Idea - We must depend solely on God
Three verses I want to share with you today:
1. Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."
2. Isaiah 26:4, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
3. John 3:17, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
- David understood calling out to God - because he knew who He was
- Will we cry out to Him because we realize who we are?
- Pray (repent - forgive - look to God)
Thx for watching … invite to join us this Sunday here on FB or in person
For more info visit our website: LivingFaithMillbrook.com
* Special thanks to Holman Old Testament Commentary for the foundational outline of this sermon.
