Psalms 38:21-22
The scripture for today is Psalms 38:21-22
Psalms 38:21-22 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.
In Psalms 38, King David, obviously burdened and repentant for his sins, cries out to God for help. "For my iniquities are gone over my head: as a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds are foul and are corrupt because of my foolishness. I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long." Psalms 38:4-6
"Whoever carefully reads over this Psalm will see what a grievous and bitter thing it is to sin against the Lord, and especially to sin after having known His mercy, and after having escaped from the corruption that is in the world...a life of righteousness may be lost by giving way to a moment's temptation, and a fair character sullied forever! Let him that most assuredly standeth take heed lest he fall." Adam Clarke
It is equally important to note that in spite of the gravity of our sin and the burdens we bear as a result, there is always a place of forgiveness and refuge in the Lord. David cries out to God when seemingly everyone around him offers no comfort or assistance. God is the only place of refuge in times like these.
But we also need to pray this kind of pray all of the time, even when we think we are standing in strength. Irrespective of where we are in life, there is never a moment where we can ignore our need for God's help. It is a directive of Christ that we pray "Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil." Our heart's daily cry is an expression of that need and dependence upon Him who hears and delivers. "Forsake me not in my sorrows, lest I murmur against Thee. Forsake me not in the day of my repentance, lest I lose the hope of pardon, and fall into despair; and forsake me not in the day of my strongest faith, lest faith degenerate into presumption. Forsake me not, for without Thee I am weak, but with Thee I am strong. Forsake me not, for my path is dangerous, and full of snares, and I cannot do without Thy guidance." Charles Spurgeon As He did in David's case, God will never forsake us when we come to Him with humble and contrite hearts. His ears are ever attentive to the prayers of His people.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim