By Jay T. Robertson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Systematic Theology, University of Mobile
GOD’S CONVICTION
Psalm 38:1–8, 18–22
Psalm 38 is a penitential psalm. It is an expression of brokenness and repentance in which David pleads to be restored to a right relationship with God. This psalm focuses on the themes of divine discipline, suffering, sin, guilt, confession and hope for restoration. Psalm 38 reminds us that God’s relationship to His children is characterized by both justice and mercy.
Conviction (1–4)
Aware that he was suffering because of his sins, David cried out for relief. David never mentioned the specific sin that resulted in God’s discipline, but whatever sin it was brought a great deal of suffering to David. He pleaded with God to discipline him like a son and not treat him as an enemy.
Overcome with God’s displeasure for his sin, David metaphorically described his great pain and suffering under the Lord’s hand of discipline. He felt as if he had been deeply wounded by the Lord’s arrows and squashed by His hand coming down upon him. This divine discipline not only affected David spiritually; it also impacted him physically, mentally and emotionally.
His iniquities consumed him, and the burden of his sin was more than he could bear. We see that David being right with God was more important than anything else in his life.
Contrition (5–8)
David, convicted of his sin, proceeded to describe the anguish his sin caused him. We need to experience the deep conviction of sin in our lives and feel the contrition, sorrow and brokenness over our sin before the holy God.
David knew he was being punished for a serious transgression. He acknowledged the foolishness of disobeying God and allowing sin to reign in his heart. These acknowledgments are essential steps in being reconciled to God.
David painted a word picture of unrelenting pain that left him without health and strength. He was mourning his loss of fellowship with God. David, a believer, still suffered great loss because of his sin. No one ever sins and gets away with it. Although nothing can sever a true believer’s relationship with God, we will always suffer loss when we sin.
David was a very sick man. His body burned with pain and weakness. He felt weak and crushed. All he could do was groan because of the pain in his body and the anguish in his heart.
Confession (18–22)
In the concluding verses of Psalm 38, David obeyed God’s instructions to confess his sins to the Lord. David agreed with God that what he had done was wrong, and he accepted responsibility for his sinful actions. He did not play the blame game and accuse others of his circumstances. He trusted God to forgive him for his sins.
Forsaken by his friends and attacked by his enemies, David felt completely isolated and alone. Although he had done nothing to provoke his enemies, they hated him. What hope was there for David to survive these circumstances? Every direction he looked seemed hopeless.
David looked to the Lord. He knew that God is faithful and righteous to forgive our sins if we confess them to Him. He also knew God will never forsake one of His children.
David did what we must do when we experience conviction and feel contrition because of our sin. He cast himself upon the mercy of the faithful, covenant-keeping God. God is good and gracious to everyone who will call on His name.
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