By F. D. Adkins
I have heard some claim that the Bible is outdated and its principles do not apply to today’s society. Yet, as followers of Christ, we know that is not true because God has always been and will always be the same, and His Word is steadfast. But also, in response to those who claim the Bible is too old to be relatable, I have to wonder if they have ever read the book of Psalms.
In the book of Psalms, we find that we share the same emotions… the same heartaches, the same fear, the same loneliness, the same pain… that penetrated the hearts of humans centuries and centuries ago. For example, in Psalm 6, David cries into his pillow, and in Psalm 73, Asaph’s envy of others’ good fortune despite their wrongdoing almost causes him to stumble.
For me, many of the Psalms are like reading pages from a modern-day diary, and as I studied Psalm 38 this week, I found it to be no exception. In this chapter, David laments over the sin in his life and how he has displeased God. His torment echoes through his words as he details his inability to have peace or rest. He says, “…neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me” (Psalm 38:3-4 KJV). David is so haunted by his past mistakes that he is physically and mentally broken. He expresses his pain as he writes, “For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart…. My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me” (Psalm 38:7-8, 10 KJV). In verse 11, he goes on to explain how his family and friends have distanced themselves from him because of his iniquities.
David is aware of his sin, and he is wrestling with guilt. Does this sound outdated or not applicable to our lives today? Are these not the same emotions and pain that we would experience if the Holy Spirit were convicting us because of some sin we have committed? Yes, these words were written over two thousand years ago, but they convey the very same emotions that rip at our souls today.
So, how does David handle this burden that is crushing him to the ground, leaving him isolated and alone? He cries out to God, confesses his sin, and asks God not to leave him. He prays, “For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin… Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation” (Psalm 38:18, 21-22 KJV).
Just as the prodigal son returned to a forgiving father with arms open wide, overcome with joy that his child was home, our Heavenly Father is waiting with loving hands to embrace us. Let us not allow the devil to paralyze us with the past, but instead, let us follow David’s example in Psalm 38. Let us turn to God, confess our guilt, and ask Him to lift the heavy weight that is crushing us.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 KJV
