Psalm 4, 12, 20, 25, 32, and 38
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin....My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear....For I am about to fall, and my pain is ever with me. I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin. Psalms 32:3-5, 38:4, 17-18
Day 124 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues my focus on 112 of David's psalms which my study has not already covered or will not cover through other daily devotions as part of a broader study within their historical context. This study of these 112 psalms groups the psalms into five major topical areas, and today I start a new grouping "Psalms Expressing a Variety of Sentiments".
Today's psalms focus on how God's mercy demands obedience, how the wicked misuse the gift of speech, prayer for others' welfare and expression of trust, for expression of trust in God and his instruction, the blessedness of confession and forgiveness of sins, and the agony of confession of sin.
The importance of confession strikes me this morning. David, while certainly a biblical hero, experienced the pain of sin in his life and the Psalms chronicle such pain - in particular Psalm 32 and 38. John Piper writes that although Christ died "once for all" for our sins (Hebrews 7, 9, 10), we must continue to confess sin - otherwise "we deceive ourselves" (1 John 1:8) - as a demonstration of how we make war on sin in our lives as Paul directs us to in Colossians 3:5.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who has died once and for all for my sins and help me fight the daily battle against sin - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of Your love and protection - my sin continues. I do thank You for the incredible grace and compassion You pour out for me but I continue to need it daily. Please forgive me Jesus and ehlp me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
