S ) "3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation;
There is no health in my bones because of my sin.
4 For my iniquities are gone over my head;
As a heavy burden they weigh too much for me."
Psalm 38:3-4 (NASB)
O) The first part of this psalm describes the effects of sin, some of which are symbolic, some of which are just physical manifestations. In large part, this psalm is a warning that the effects of sin are often internalized, and can easily be mistaken or mislabeled as something else. For example, the verses above describe what appears to be depression. Later David described being weak, anxious, alienated, agitated, and even deaf and mute. All of this is a result of his sin (which he didn't disclose in this psalm). David understood that his own sins, particularly when not confessed and without repentance, caused a spectrum of consequences.
A) The end of this psalm holds the key, the answer to the warning. In verse 18, David said he confessed his sins. He went on from there to seek the LORD for help and salvation. I must remember that there are inherent consequences to every sin, that will ultimately harm me, even if there is no obvious, outer, or observable problem. In the New Testament, we are told that the flesh and the Spirit within me are at war. Conceding to my enemy will always cause me harm - even if my enemy is part of myself. Like David described, the burden of my own sins weigh too much for me. The solution is to lay them down at the feet of Jesus, and to take up His yoke. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light (see Matthew 11:29-30).
A) The end of this psalm holds the key, the answer to the warning. In verse 18, David said he confessed his sins. He went on from there to seek the LORD for help and salvation. I must remember that there are inherent consequences to every sin, that will ultimately harm me, even if there is no obvious, outer, or observable problem. In the New Testament, we are told that the flesh and the Spirit within me are at war. Conceding to my enemy will always cause me harm - even if my enemy is part of myself. Like David described, the burden of my own sins weigh too much for me. The solution is to lay them down at the feet of Jesus, and to take up His yoke. For His yoke is easy and His burden is light (see Matthew 11:29-30).
P) Father, thank You for the natural consequences of sin, which bring me back to You. Just as I am reminded in 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, when I have sorrows that come from You, because of the Holy Spirit being within me and being at war with my flesh, then that conflict will lead me to repentance. Whatever it takes, Lord, whether sorrow or loss, pain or suffering, save me from myself. Thank You for saving me. Let Your will be done in my life, and on earth, as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment