Sometimes in life we experience various trials and it is not always clear why. The trials could be the consequence of our sin, God wanting to teach us something, or simply a result of living life in a fallen world. When it isn’t clear, when we just don’t know, the best place to start is to repent of what you do know. It is always a good idea to turn to God and humble yourself before him. (1Peter 5:6-7).
When we come to Psalm 6, we hear David cry out to God as the weight of his trials are taking a toll on him. We get a picture of the extent of his suffering when he writes in verse 6 “I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears.” I love that David has been so honest. There is comfort for those of us who know the emotional pain that comes from those who seek to hurt us, who falsely accuse us, or who just treat us unjustly.
Regardless of where our trials come from, we need to learn from David’s example and turn to the Lord. He will hear our prayers. He will execute justice, and those who have done wrong will be ashamed.
Some of us know that we have enemies, but it is such a comfort to know that God is on our side.
Psalm 6 (NASB95)
For the choir director; with stringed instruments, upon an eight-string lyre. A Psalm of David.
1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your wrath.
2 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am pining away; Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are dismayed.
3 And my soul is greatly dismayed; But You, O LORD—how long?
4 Return, O LORD, rescue my soul; Save me because of Your lovingkindness.
5 For there is no mention of You in death; In Sheol who will give You thanks?
6 I am weary with my sighing; Every night I make my bed swim, I dissolve my couch with my tears.
7 My eye has wasted away with grief; It has become old because of all my adversaries.
8 Depart from me, all you who do iniquity, For the LORD has heard the voice of my weeping.
9 The LORD has heard my supplication, The LORD receives my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be ashamed and greatly dismayed; They shall turn back, they will suddenly be ashamed.