Chapter Summary
Psalm 38 is a heartfelt cry from David, who is suffering deeply from physical illness and overwhelming emotional distress, which he believes are consequences of his own sins. He describes his body wracked with pain and disease, his spirit crushed, and his mind in turmoil. He feels completely abandoned by his friends and family, while his enemies relentlessly plot against him. Despite this intense despair and the heavy weight of his wrongdoing, David clings to his hope in God, confessing his sins and desperately pleading for God's swift help and salvation amidst his severe trials.
Bible:Essence Verses
- Please, Lord, don't get angry and scold me, and don't punish me fiercely when you're really upset.
- It feels like your arrows have struck deep into me, and your hand is pressing down on me really hard.
- My body is completely unhealthy because of your anger, and my bones can't find peace because of the wrongs I've done.
- My many bad actions have completely overwhelmed me; they're like a crushing weight that is far too heavy for me to bear.
- My injuries are foul-smelling and infected because of the silly things I did.
- I feel incredibly disturbed and am bent over with sorrow; I spend all my days in sadness.
- A disgusting sickness has filled my body, leaving no healthy part anywhere in my flesh.
- I am weak and completely broken; I have cried out in agony because my heart is so distressed.
- Lord, you know everything I truly wish for, and my quiet cries of pain are not hidden from you.
- My heart races, my strength is completely gone, and the brightness in my eyes has also disappeared from me.
- My dear friends and companions keep their distance from my suffering, and my own family members stand far away.
- Even those who want to end my life are setting traps for me, and those who wish me harm say cruel things and plot dishonest schemes all day long.
- But I remained as if deaf, not hearing their words; and I was like someone mute who wouldn't open his mouth.
- So I acted like a person who cannot hear, and who has no counter-arguments to offer.
- Because, Lord, I place all my hope in you; I truly believe you will listen, O Lord, my God.
- For I thought, 'Please hear me, otherwise they will celebrate my downfall!' When I stumble, they act superior to me.
- Because I feel like I'm about to collapse, and my deep sadness is always right in front of me.
- For I will openly admit my wrongdoings; I will truly feel bad for my sin.
- But my enemies are full of life and powerful, and those who hate me without cause have grown in number.
- Those who repay my good deeds with evil are my opponents, simply because I try to do what is right.
- Don't abandon me, Lord; O my God, please don't stay far away from me.
- Hurry to help me, O Lord, my rescuer.