Psalm 38:1–2: “LORD, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, / Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure! / For Your arrows pierce me deeply, / And Your hand presses me down.”

February 13th, 2024 by Pastor Ed in devotional

David, a warrior king, used language in this psalm that described God as a divine warrior. And he was asking this Warrior for mercy. This psalm is unusual in that there is no thanksgiving or prophetic utterance, there is only suffering recorded. In it, David acknowledged that he had sinned. He confessed, repented, and beseeched God to extend him grace, rather than wrath. David knew that God was still on the throne even though he was passing through a dark life experience. He had confidence in God’s promise that when we turn from our sin, He will forgive us.

When we are going through trials, whether because of our own sin or just the struggles of life that are common to all men, there is a voice that tries to tell us that we are alone, that there is no hope. But this is not true. God is always ready and waiting for us to turn back to Him no matter our sin. And nothing happens to a child of God that is not “Father-filtered.” Nothing that comes into our lives is a surprise to God.

“LORD, we turn to You and confess our sins, thank You that You give us grace.”