In The Distress Of Sin
BRD REFLECTIONS
Jeremiah 5 and Psalm 6 (NIV)
(Jason Huang, Zone Core Team Member, Small Group Ministry)
READ:
Psalm 6 (NIV)
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord—how long?
Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. For in death there is no remembrance of you; in Sheol who will give you praise?
– Psalm 6:2-5
OBSERVE:
In the reading of Psalm 6, it seems that the situation was dire enough that David feared so much for his life. While we know his concern was related to his enemies, we are not sure if this was connected to his trouble with the Philistines, King Saul or his rebellious son. Nevertheless, his soul was so deeply troubled that David pleaded with God to spare him from his agony, pointing out that he still wants to live on to continue to worship Him for as long as he lives.
Despite facing this intense time of fear and despair, David has absolute faith that God will be with him. He warns his enemies to flee, knowing that the Lord has heard him and will rescue him.
APPLY:
Psalm 6 has always been one of the chapters close to my heart. It is a penitent prayer to God on repentance from sin.
Reflecting on my past, there was a time in my life where I was in a sticky situation of troubles and problems as a result of sins. There were several nights when I went to bed feeling greatly depressed. I was desperate and already on the verge of suicide. One night, someone inserted a flyer through my window. I got up and picked up the flyer and read the caption: “Jesus loves you”. There and then, I remembered God. Next moment, I knelt down beside my bed and found myself crying my heart out until His presence filled the room.
What a powerful and comforting thing for me to know that even in the midst of the distress of sin, God is near to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
DO:
Psalm 6:2-5 has struck a chord and reminded me that there is a critical decision I have to make when I have committed sin. There is no better time to come before God with a change of mind and purpose. In the distress of sin is the time for me to turn to the Lord and seek reconciliation because He will always be there to take me back. It does not matter what I might have committed, God will welcome me home to give me a renewed hope and confidence.
In praying Psalm 6, I will give glory to God, as a God who is ever ready to hear my prayer and cries. Even when I am distraught and in the mire of sin, I will turn my eyes upon God, to wait upon Him and to trust Him in the greatest straits and difficulties.
PRAY:
O Lord, I thank You for Psalm 6 which provides such encouragement and hope when we find ourselves immersed in sorrow and pain. I thank You that You are a God who hears and answers prayer. Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxieties. And see if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting so that I may have sufficient strength to come through every circumstance of life victoriously. Amen.
