Praying the Psalms- Psalm 38

Jenny has begun a journey of praying her way through the Psalms that I have decided to join. Each weekend, we will pray through one psalm and post our prayer and/or meditations on that psalm as the Lord leads. Check out her journey and join us in Praying the Psalms.

“All my longings lie before You, O Lord;

My sighing is not hidden from You.

My heart pounds, my strength fails me;

even the light has gone from my eyes.”  Psalm 38: 8-10

Have you felt desperation like this?  Oppression so severe so as to cause longing, sighing, heart pounding, and strength sapping blindness?  I have.  I do.  David’s enemies were visible, physical.  Mine are invisible, spiritual. 

Too often I rebuke myself in anger.  In exasperation at my sin and folly, I tell myself I will never overcome.  I repeat the words of the Oppressor to myself and believe them.  I forget the Words of my King. 

I forget that it is the kindness of God that leads to repentance.  I forget that where sin abounds, grace abounds.  (Shall I continue to sin that grace may abound?  Certainly not!)  I forget that I am more than a conqueror in Jesus.   

Forgetfulness.  Desperation.  Oppression.  Blindness.

“I will wait for You, O Lord,

You will answer, O Lord my God.”  Psalm 38: 15

He does.  He answers through the kind words of a friend, through the wisdom of godly women I’ve never even met and most certainly through His Word.

“O Lord, do not forsake me;

be not far from me, O my God.

Come quickly to help me,

O Lord my Savior.”  Psalm 38: 21-22

Through His Word, He reminds me of His unfailing love and mercy.  Of His hand that is always stretched out toward me.  Always the offer of forgiveness and reconciliation.   My Savior.  I need only grope through the darkness and grab hold of it.  Confess.  Repent.  Begin again.