Godly Sorrow
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A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance.
[1] O LORD, rebuke me not in thy wrath:
Neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.
[2] For thine arrows stick fast in me,
And thy hand presseth me sore.
[3] There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger;
Neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.
[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.
[7] For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease:
And there is no soundness in my flesh.
[8] I am feeble and sore broken:
I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart.
[9] Lord, all my desire is before thee;
And my groaning is not hid from thee.
[10] My heart panteth, my strength faileth me:
As for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me.
[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.
[13] But I, as a deaf man, heard not;
And I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth.
[14] Thus I was as a man that heareth not,
And in whose mouth are no reproofs.
[15] For in thee, O LORD, do I hope:
Thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
[16] For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me:
When my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.
[17] For I am ready to halt,
And my sorrow is continually before me.
[18] For I will declare mine iniquity;
I will be sorry for my sin.
[19] But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong:
And they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied.
[20] They also that render evil for good
Are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is.
[21] Forsake me not, O LORD:
O my God, be not far from me.
[22] Make haste to help me,
O Lord my salvation.
Godly Sorrow
The scripture says “godly sorrow leadeth to repentance”. David, in Psalm 38, paints a vivid picture of his emotional turmoil and physical distress he feels as a result of his sins. Throughout the chapter, he expresses words of regret and even self-loathing as he suffers from his enemies who rejoice over his downfall. Yet he repents and calls on the Lord for help and salvation.
David begins by acknowledging that God is displeased and angry with him. He feels pierced by God’s arrows and His hand is pressed upon him. David has no rest because of his sin. He carries his iniquities like a heavy burden. David calls himself foolish and corrupt. “I am troubled. I am bowed down greatly”(38:6). David describes his physical distress as loathsome. Sin has made him feeble and broken. He knows his Lord sees his sorrow. In this vulnerable state, David’s lovers and friends abandon him and his kinsmen do as well. Also, his enemies seek after his life. But David acted deaf to their abuses and did not respond. Now, David arises from his sorrow to express to the Lord that he still puts his hope in Him. He knows God will hear and answer him. David repents saying, “for I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin” (38:18). David cries out to God not to forsake him or be far from him. The Lord will deliver him and be his salvation.
In many courtroom dramas, before someone is waiting to hear their final sentence from the judge, they are allowed to make a statement. Everyone in the room is listening for words of sorrow, regret and remorse from the one who has been convicted of a crime. Perhaps their expressions of remorse may lead to a lighter punishment. When I first became convicted of my sin, I felt like David did in Psalm 38. In my heart, I confessed to God that I was a sinner, guilty as charged. I was saved by God’s amazing grace, who took my place and died for my sins on Calvary’s cross. I knew I was not deserving of such a great love and sacrifice as this. I believed in Jesus and thanked Him, like David, for delivering me from sin. I thank God daily for salvation and ask Him to forgive me, with godly sorrow.
I would love to hear what this Psalm brings to mind for you! Write back to me in Facebook comment or blog reply.
Disclaimer: The intention of this project is not to teach, but rather to share. Please use due diligence in studying the word of God, and seek guidance from your local religious leaders for any questions or concerns.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
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