Verse: O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! Psalm 38:1

Reminder: Do we really know the impact of Sin? – When we remember the sin of mankind is the only reason for Jesus to suffer on the cross, heaven paid a tremendous price to redeem us from sin. Man lost his fellowship with God and the fallen nature of the world is the result of sin. Then how is it that we do not see sin as more deadly than the deadliest plague and calamities?

Background: Psalm 38 is a lament psalm. In it, David remembers the fact that his sin caused God’s wrath, anger, and judgment on David. As a result, David is suffering physically and emotionally. In addition to that, his friends are leaving him, and his enemies are increasing in number and power.

“The same title is given to Psalm 70, where in like manner the Psalmist pours out his complaint before the Lord.” This is one of those noted as the penitential psalms, along with Psalms 6; 32; 51; 102; 130; and 143.

Lesson:

1. Sin’s Response /Damage: There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin. Psalm 38:3 – Of God’s displeasure, and of his own sin which provoked God against him (v. 1-5). Remember God being just there is payment needed for sin which is Jesus on the cross, but if we ignore sin what shall we say? Sin has serious consequences.
2. Sin’s Ongoing Results: For my sides are filled with burning, and there is no soundness in my flesh. Psalm 38:7 – Of his bodily sickness of the unkindness of his friends (v. 6-11), nature and the human body also have deteriorated. Where is the remedy, it is not in our strength – O Lord, all my longing is before you;  my sighing is not hidden from you Psalm 38:9
3. Sin leads to vulnerability: Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt speak of ruin and meditate treachery all day long. Psalm 38:12 Of the injuries which his enemies did him, pleading his good conduct towards them, yet confessing his sins against God (v. 12-20). Our sins are giving footholds and strongholds for satan in our lives.
4. Sins Remedy: Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! Psalm 38:21-22 – Lastly, he concludes the psalm with earnest prayers to God for his gracious presence and help (v. 21, 22). Our only hope is for Jesus and the Holy Spirit to help us. So let us sincerely cry out

Our response: I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. Psalm 38:18