Depressed and desperate
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, that whatever trial I endure, You assure me that You are not far away.
Read Psalm 38:1-22
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[1] A psalm of David. A petition. LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. [2] Your arrows have pierced me, and your hand has come down on me. [3] Because of your wrath there is no health in my body; there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin. [4] My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear. [5] My wounds fester and are loathsome because of my sinful folly. [6] I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning. [7] My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body. [8] I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. [9] All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. [10] My heart pounds, my strength fails me; even the light has gone from my eyes. [11] My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away. [12] Those who want to kill me set their traps, those who would harm me talk of my ruin; all day long they scheme and lie. [13] I am like the deaf, who cannot hear, like the mute, who cannot speak; [14] I have become like one who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply. [15] LORD, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. [16] For I said, “Do not let them gloat or exalt themselves over me when my feet slip.” [17] For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. [18] I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. [19] Many have become my enemies without cause; those who hate me without reason are numerous. [20] Those who repay my good with evil lodge accusations against me, though I seek only to do what is good. [21] LORD, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God. [22] Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What did David need for relief?This is the desperate cry of a man who can’t take any more, who is suffering in body, mind and spirit. Overwhelmed with guilt, he feels heavy and fatigued (4). Weak and listless, his body aches and he has palpitations and failing sight (10). He groans on his bed; even his friends won’t come near him (11). Miserably, he recalls that he also has many enemies who are doubtless gloating over him now (16,19). But the worst thing was that David’s “sinful folly” has caused a barrier between him and God; he is a mess! Depression, guilt and emotional pain can have a huge effect on a person’s body. I was once so grieved about a situation that I ached physically and could barely stand up. Conversely, physical illness can deeply affect us emotionally and spiritually. “Shalom” is the Hebrew word for well-being of the whole person, and this is what God wants for us. We may need the relief that comes from confession and repentance. If so, come to him without fear, receive forgiveness and rediscover the peace that passes understanding.This is the desperate cry of a man who can’t take any more, who is suffering in body, mind and spirit. Overwhelmed with guilt, he feels heavy and fatigued (4). Weak and listless, his body aches and he has palpitations and failing sight (10). He groans on his bed; even his friends won’t come near him (11). Miserably, he recalls that he also has many enemies who are doubtless gloating over him now (16,19). But the worst thing was that David’s “sinful folly” has caused a barrier between him and God; he is a mess! Depression, guilt and emotional pain can have a huge effect on a person’s body. I was once so grieved about a situation that I ached physically and could barely stand up. Conversely, physical illness can deeply affect us emotionally and spiritually. “Shalom” is the Hebrew word for well-being of the whole person, and this is what God wants for us. We may need the relief that comes from confession and repentance. If so, come to him without fear, receive forgiveness and rediscover the peace that passes understanding.
Apply
Confess your sins to the Lord and thank him that he forgives and heals.
Closing prayer
Search me, O God! Cleanse my heart, renew my mind and heal my body. Meet me in my brokenness and restore me.
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