A Study Of Psalm 38 Series

A Study of Psalm 38

Psalm 38

Introduction

- Wed night format; opportunity to study together from our homes

-- Ask questions if you'd like in the comments (during this time or later)

-- Re: Invite someone else to join in - not an exclusive study for "just LFC"

- Psalms are songs of praise and words of encouragement/warning

- We are studying book 1, Psalm 1-41 … primary focus on David's experience

- The Psalms have already given us plenty of opportunities to praise

- We are all busy … but if we are too busy to praise God it's time to re-evaluate

- Read Psalm 38:1-22/ Pray

Point 1 - David's anguish on display

- David cries out to the Lord because of what he is dealing with today

" He requests God's relief (v1-2)

o Do not rebuke me:

" This comes from his realization of his sin

" IMP: His cry is one of asking for relief

o Do not discipline me:

" He feels that God's discipline is like arrows in him

" Oppressed, he feels that God is pressing on him

" APP: Pay attention to word use: sin = physical separation

" He recognizes his sin (v3-4)

o David knew that his ailments were because of his sin

o IMP: Not all sickness is God's punishment; but this was

o He knew that it was causing him to feel this way (no soundness)

o Guilt has overwhelmed me; confession of what is happening

o APP: For us, our sin guilt ought to oppress us; make is repent

- It is sin that has caused David to feel separated from God

-- HUGE LESSON: We too can have the same feeling … sin breaks fellowship

- David then goes through a list of things he is feeling; oppression of his soul

-- But more than that … he has physical ailments

- Critical for us … again … sin breaks fellowship and will affect our relationship

-- APP: When your heart longs for someone, being apart is painful

-- This is what this whole next section demonstrates …

" My wounds fester (v5)

" My spirit mourns (v6)

" My back hurts (v7)

" My heart groans (v8)

" My soul sighs for relief (v9)

" My heart pounds (v10)

" My friends leave (v11)

" My foes conspire (v12)

" My hearing and speech fail me (v13-16)

- TRANS: So, how does David remedy this? How does he change his situation?

Point 2 - David confesses his sin

- David always has a common theme when it comes to confessing his sin

-- First step: admit where he is wrong and who he has sinned against

- "My guilt is before God"

" My strength is gone (v17-18a)

o This is because of his actions

o It is because of the choices he has made

" It is sin (v18b)

o Most importantly, "what I have done is sin"

o LESSON: If we won't call it sin, how can we repent of it?

o See lots of this in today's society:

" It's not murder, it's a choice a woman makes (abortion)

" It's not lust, it's just a little web surfing

" It's not idolatry, it's just who I choose to worship

o APP: David sees it as sin to disobey God, and so should we!

" My enemies hate me (v19)

" My enemies oppose me (v20)

o Even when I try to do good, I am slandered against

- APP: B/c of his sin against God, he feels God has brought this to him

-- God will discipline those who rebel against him; the manner is his choice

-- David is reeling from the pain his heart feels from his choices

- Therefore, he makes a brave and desperate plea to God …

" God, come near (v21)

" God, come now (v22)

- His calling is on the only one who can remedy this situation

-- It is reaching out to God alone who can restore his heart/soul

- He asks for four specific things from God (great application of us in prayer)

" Do not forsake me: Don't cast me aside

" Be not far from me: Don't leave me here

" Come quickly: I am afraid and feel alone

" Help me: Best prayer anyone could ever pray to God

o Shows dependency

o Demonstrates reliance not on you

Big Idea - We must depend solely on God

Three verses I want to share with you today:

1. Exodus 14:14, "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."

2. Isaiah 26:4, "Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

3. John 3:17, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.