Psa 38 | MHM | STEP | A Prayer in Sickness: Remembering Sin and Seeking Mercy This psalm is called “a psalm to bring to remembrance.” David wrote it during a time of sickness and pain, possibly as a reminder to himself and others to think about their sins and God’s mercy during suffering. The psalm teaches us to reflect on our lives when we are in trouble, to remember our sins, and to pray honestly to God for help and forgiveness. v. 1 : David begins by asking God not to punish him in anger. He says, O Lord , rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure . David fears God’s anger more than any sickness or pain.

‏ Psalms 38

A Prayer in Sickness: Remembering Sin and Seeking Mercy

This psalm is called “a psalm to bring to remembrance.” David wrote it during a time of sickness and pain, possibly as a reminder to himself and others to think about their sins and God’s mercy during suffering. The psalm teaches us to reflect on our lives when we are in trouble, to remember our sins, and to pray honestly to God for help and forgiveness.

v. 1: David begins by asking God not to punish him in anger. He says, O Lord, rebuke me not in thy wrath: neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure . David fears God’s anger more than any sickness or pain.

v. 2: He describes the deep pain of feeling God’s displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore . David feels wounded in his heart, as if God’s judgment has struck him and will not let go.

v. 3: David admits that his suffering is a result of both God’s anger and his own sin. There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin . He knows he deserves this trouble.

v. 4: He says that his sins are too heavy to bear. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as a heavy burden they are too heavy for me . Sin feels like a weight that is drowning him.

v. 5: David describes his sins as dangerous wounds. My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness . He admits that his own foolish choices have brought him pain.

v. 6: He tells how his heart is troubled and his spirit is crushed. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long . David mourns constantly and cannot find peace.

v. 7–8: He explains that his sickness affects his whole body. For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart (Psalm 38:7–8 ^a). His pain is both physical and emotional.

–

v. 9: David finds comfort remembering that God sees all his pain and prayers. Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee . God understands even the prayers we cannot speak aloud (Romans 8:26–27 ^b).

v. 10: He says his strength and hope are gone. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me . He feels weak and close to despair.

v. 11: David feels abandoned by friends and family. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off . In his trouble, even those close to him keep their distance.

David’s honest prayer shows us how to respond in times of suffering. He confesses his sins, accepts God’s discipline, and trusts that God sees and cares for him. Even when others turn away, God does not forget us.

Sorrowful Complaints

This section captures David's deep anguish as he reflects on the hostility of his enemies and his own struggles with sin and suffering. It reveals a mix of sorrow, hope, and reliance on God amidst the challenges he faces. David’s prayer shows his dependence on God to deliver him, strengthen him, and ultimately answer his cries for help.

v. 12: They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. David describes the relentless cruelty of his enemies. They plot against him, setting traps to harm him and speaking lies to destroy his reputation. Their plans are constant, showing their dedication to his downfall. This verse highlights the malicious intent of his foes and the danger he faces.

v. 13: But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Despite the provocations of his enemies, David remains silent and unresponsive, like a deaf or mute person. He chooses not to defend himself or retaliate. This shows his reliance on God to defend him rather than taking matters into his own hands.

v. 14: Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. David continues to describe his silence, emphasizing his restraint. Though he has no shortage of reasons to confront his enemies, he refrains from speaking. His silence reflects his trust in God to judge justly.

v. 15: For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. David expresses his hope in God, trusting that God will hear his prayers and respond to his needs. Instead of turning to others for help or seeking revenge, he places his confidence in God’s justice and mercy.

v. 16: For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. David prays earnestly for God to intervene. He fears that if he stumbles or falters, his enemies will celebrate his failure and use it to boast against him. His prayer shows his dependence on God to prevent this outcome.

v. 17: For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. David acknowledges his weakness and constant grief. He feels on the verge of collapse, burdened by his sorrows and struggles. This verse captures his vulnerability and the weight of his trials.

v. 18: For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. David confesses his sins openly before God, expressing genuine sorrow and repentance. He recognizes that his suffering is partly due to his own iniquity and seeks forgiveness with a contrite heart.

v. 19: But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. David describes the strength and growing number of his enemies. They are full of energy and determination, while he feels weak and overwhelmed. Despite his innocence, they continue to hate him unjustly.

v. 20: They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. David laments the ingratitude of his enemies. Instead of responding to his kindness with kindness, they repay him with evil. Their hostility stems from his commitment to doing what is right, which they oppose.

v. 21: Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. David pleads with God to stay close to him and not abandon him in his time of need. He expresses his deep desire for God’s presence and support as he faces his trials.

v. 22: Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation(Psalms 38:22 ^c). David ends his prayer with an urgent call for God’s help. He acknowledges God as his salvation and the only one who can deliver him from his troubles. His plea reflects his trust and dependence on God’s power and mercy.