GOD’S CONVICTION
Psalm 38:1–8, 18–22
Within the Psalter there are seven psalms of repentance — Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130 and 143. David is named in Psalm 38 and Psalm 143. The sin that resulted in David writing Psalm 38 is not known.
The superscript above Psalm 38 is interesting — “A psalm of David to bring remembrance.” I am not certain of its meaning. Perhaps the message of the superscript is for an individual to never forget the punishment and self-loathing that comes because of our sin. Numbers 32:23 states, “Be sure your sin will catch up with you.”
Conviction (1–4)
The psalmist begins with an urgent plea: “Lord, do not punish me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.” As a parent, I did not punish my sons when I was angry and wrathful. I found a period of cooling down to be more productive.
David pleaded for God to do the same. One truth expressed in this psalm is commonly neglected. According to verse 3, our sin and guilt may impact our health. The most dangerous result of sin is that we get more and more used to it, and that hinders God’s work of conviction of sin in our lives. The psalmist hoped his suffering was disciplinary rather than punative.
How might God convict us of our sin? What are the benefits of Holy Spirit conviction?
Anguish (5–8)
Unconfessed sin may result in mental and physical health issues. Sin may result in foul wounds and festering. In one of the churches I served as pastor, a woman came to my office brokenhearted and mourning. She had been a participant in illicit sexual activity. David accurately describes both his and her condition — mourning all day, painful stomach pain and no soundness or health in their bodies. She groaned in her heart for the hurt she had caused her husband.
In fact, she spent several days in the hospital. I am thankful I was able to recommend a Christian counselor for the couple and the marriage was saved. Sin carries its own penalty as described in verse 8. Sin crushes us and creates anguish within our hearts and souls. What happens if we ignore the results of our sin?
Why may we underestimate or dismiss the consequences of sin?
Confession (18–22)
The psalmist made no excuses for his sin. He did not blame another individual. He owned up to his actions and confessed his iniquities and was anxious spiritually because of his sin. The psalmist recognized that at times sinful enemies attacked him for pursuing good.
In his confession, David acknowledged his iniquity, or moral crookedness. A connection existed between David’s sin and his misery.
Allen Ross concluded his study of the passage with powerful words. “It is the nature of sin to fill the sinner with guilty fears, but by confession, a believer gives God the most important reason for Him to bring the chastening to an end.” David concluded the psalm by pleading with God to not be far from him. David concluded by asking God to hurry to help him in his struggle.
What obstacles might keep us from confessing our sins to God?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Mark Rathel
Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church in DeFuniak Springs, Florida
