A Confession Of Note: Identifying With The Psalmist
Psalms 38
KJV
4+ For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.
6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.
12+ They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long.
The above are the outpourings of the psalmist, confessing his waywardness and the calamities that befell Him.
The entire psalm must be read as to appreciate and feel the desperate nature of a burdened heart Like the psalmist, we all must admit that the ills that befall us are basically due to our “ foolishness “. Read what he said;
“My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness.”
To be foolish is to be unwise, not taking heed or paying attention to details. To take/make decisions based on assumptions. Or to give credit to someone who does not deserve it; only to regret later. To abuse a privilege granted or an honour bestowed.
Beloved this is what has plunged many of us into holes that are so deep that we can not come out without suffering bruises!. Yes, the price we pay for being unwise and undiscerning!
Nothing hurts the most when those you thought would provide you with a cover stand aloof. Read the case of the psalmist ;
Psalm 38:11
NIV
[11] My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.
As if this is all, others will put as it were “ salt into the wound “. (sic) Read it;
Psalm 38:12,19-20
NIV
[12] Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie.
[19] Many have become my enemies without cause ; those who hate me without reason are numerous.
[20] Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good.
Yes, “though I seek only to do what is good !” Can you identify with any of these? Yes, surely you can! Well, you are not alone The psalmist of old experienced what you are going through today.
Take courage for these are temporal trials, soon it will be over. Remain steadfast by holding on and trusting in God. This was exactly what the psalmist did!
Psalm 38:21-22
NIV
[21] Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. [22] Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.
Say to yourself “ whatever will be should be, may God’s will be done” Like Jesus, pray “
Matthew 26:42
NIV
[42] He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”
Indeed, May His Will Be Done!.
John Franklin Tamakloe