Closer Day 14 | Psalm 38:13-22
Read:
13 But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear,
like a mute man who does not open his mouth.
14 I have become like a man who does not hear,
and in whose mouth are no rebukes.
15 But for you, O Lord, do I wait;
it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.
16 For I said, “Only let them not rejoice over me,
who boast against me when my foot slips!”
17 For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever before me.
18 I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
19 But my foes are vigorous, they are mighty,
and many are those who hate me wrongfully.
20 Those who render me evil for good
accuse me because I follow after good.
21 Do not forsake me, O Lord!
O my God, be not far from me!
22 Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
Reflect:
Saying “I’m sorry” has become a daily occurrence for me. Whether it’s to my children, my wife, or my co-workers for something that I have done that was hurtful or rude, I say “I’m sorry” a good bit. When I say I’m sorry, I express in detail what and why I am sorry because context matters for the other person along with myself. Do I actually know and believe what I’m sorry for? Or, is my apology without context providing a way to avoid the reality that I’ve disappointed or caused someone hurt?
When it comes to our sin, confession is healthy and necessary. Here, we see David confess his sin and literally tell God he is sorry. And he means it. David writes, “But for you, O Lord, do I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer.” I love that, even though he is suffering, guilty, and feeling regret, David trusts in the promise that God hears him and will answer his prayer and forgive him. We, too can hold fast to the promise that God will give us this same grace and mercy. We have a Savior who bore our sin, suffered on the cross, died, and was then resurrected to ultimately defeat death and hell, securing an eternal hope in Him. This hope reminds us that regardless of where we have failed and fallen short, God’s grace is sufficient for us.
Prayer:
If you are in a season of suffering, whether it’s of your own doing or not, cry out to God today, confessing your sin and your need for Him. Tell Him you’re sorry, but also receive His grace over you and know you are forgiven. Trust the promise that God loves you, and He hears you.
This devotional is part of our Closer: 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. Our hope is that this will assist you in focusing your heart each day. To learn more or to get caught up, click here.