Sin's Burden (Psalm 38)

How do we find rest from the burden of anxiety that our sins have caused? Let’s look at Psalm 38.

As we repent of our sins, do we ask God to be merciful in His discipline?

O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! For your arrows have sunk into me, and your hand has come down on me. (Ps 38:1-2 ESV)

As we repent of our sins, do we sincerely examine the extent of the pain that we have caused ourselves and others?

There is no health in my body because of Your indignation; there is no strength in my bones because of my sin. For my sins have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear. My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness. I am bent over and brought low; all day long I go around in mourning. For my loins are full of burning pain, and there is no health in my body. I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart. (Ps 38:3-8 HCSB)

Are our innermost secret concerns known to God? Is our suffering at the hand of enemies invisible to God?

Lord, all my longings are before you, and my groaning is not hidden from you. My heart pounds, my strength fails me, even the gleam in my eye is gone. As for my friends and my neighbors, they stand aloof from my distress; even my close relatives stand at a distance. Those who seek my life lay snares for me; those who seek to do me harm brag all day long about their wicked planning. (Ps 38:9-12 ISV)

Do we trust enough that God has heard our prayers to be silent, without protest?

But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me. (Ps 38:13-16 KJV)

Does sin cause anxiety? Do we trust that God will intervene swiftly in our troubles?

For I am ready to fall, And my sorrow is continually before me. For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. But my enemies are vigorous and strong, And those who wrongfully hate me abound. And those who repay evil for good, They accuse me, for I pursue what is good. Do not forsake me, O Yahweh; O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Ps 38:17-22 LSB)

What wonderful rest did the Old Testament Sabbath picture, where we can rest from our burdens all week long?

Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30 NASB)

How do we find rest from the burden of anxiety that our sins have caused? You decide!