Psalm 38

Read Psalm 38 ESV

Who - David writes this psalm to God as part of his offering to God.

What and Why - The title says David writes this psalm to the LORD and it is connected/brought with a memorial offering.  The memorial offering was prescribed in Leviticus 2:1-15.  According to the ESV Study Bible notes, the memorial offering was to “remind” the LORD to look favorably upon the offerer with his purpose, whether praise or petition.  In this case David is making a petition to God while under attack from others and suffering the consequences of his own sins.  As the memorial offering usually accompanied a burnt offering, it is reasonable to think David has come before the LORD at the altar with a sin offering confessing his sins and asking for forgiveness and restoration.  Specifically David seems to be suffering from a physical disease that has resulted in alienation from his friends.  So ultimately this psalm is David’s confession and petition to the LORD for physical, relational and spiritual healing, David’s desire is to be restored relationally with the LORD and other humans.

When - No specific events mentioned, but this could fit many different moments in David’s life.

Where - Unstated, but most likely at the temple.

How - David begins by declaring the anguish of his body and soul.  He acknowledges this pain is a from the LORD as a result of David’s own sins.  Thus, David does not place the blame on God but admits it is his own fault.  He describes to the LORD the multiple physical problems and their intensity.  David seems to want the LORD to know he knows how bad/intense this is.  David is saying, “I get it.  Message received.  You have my attention now.”  

Next David tells the LORD the effect his disease is having on those in his life as well as David’s enemies.  David’s friends have alienated him and his enemies are thinking of the opportunity this presents and plotting ways to capitalize upon it.  David reminds the LORD that his response to these actions has been to remain silent.  He has not taken action against those who have hurt him.  He is declaring himself innocent in regards to their actions.

Now David declares his hope and faith in all of this is for the LORD to act, and David waits on the LORD to act and answer David’s critics.  Next David brings to the LORD’s attention his penitence and  humility.   While David confesses his sins openly, his enemies vigorously oppose David because he seeks to do what is right before the LORD.  David lays all this before the LORD and makes his petition.  “Do not forsake . . . be not far from me,  . . . make haste to help me.”  

So What 

1. If you won’t give God attention He will get your attention.
2. When we suffer we should be quick to examine ourselves for unconfessed sin.
3. When we recognize or became aware of sin in our lives, confess it to the LORD and seek His forgiveness.
4. Because of Christ we can come before the LORD anytime, anywhere and seek God’s face.  We do not need to prepare a special sacrifice nor travel to a specific location just to seek the LORD’s face.  We can fall on our knees where we are and enter His Holy presence.  
5. When we are suffering physical pain and sickness, no matter the root cause, we should cry out to God and ask for His relief and healing.  He is a Father that desires to give good gifts to His children.  
6. We have a sympathetic advocate in Jesus when we are alienated from our friends and feel all alone.  Jesus knows that pain and makes an understanding plea before the Father.  He knows what we are feeling.
7. The LORD cares when we are unjustly accused and maligned.  He is not deaf to those accusations, He will act for us in His time.  
8. Resist the desire to lash out and retaliate at those who hurt us, whether friend or foe.  Be sinless in our response and let God deal with them.
9. In all this, cry out to Jesus and tell Him and the Father everything you feel.  
10. Place our only hope for healing, deliverance, vindication and restoration in the LORD acting.  No matter what means He uses, the LORD is the one who saves.