Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “O LORD, do not rebuke me in YOUR anger or discipline me in YOUR rage. 2 Have compassion on me, LORD, for I am weak. Heal me, LORD, for my body is in agony. 3 I am sick at heart. How long, O LORD, until you restore me?” ~ Psalm 6:1-3
This is the first of the seven remorseful psalms, in which David humbly realizes his predicament – which was usually the result of sin. He expresses sorrow over it and demonstrates a fresh commitment to remain close to GOD. We do not know the cause of David’s pain, but whatever the cause, he sought GOD for the remedy.
David accepted GOD’s punishment, but he begged GOD not to discipline him in anger – something we should remember when disciplining our own children. Jeremiah also asked GOD to correct him gently and not in anger. – So correct me, LORD, but please be gentle. Do not correct me in anger, for I would die.” – Jeremiah 10:24 – Jeremiah, like David, recognized that if GOD treated him with justice alone and not mercy, he would be wiped out by GOD’s wrath. Often we want GOD to show mercy to us and justice to everyone else. GOD in HIS kindness forgives us instead of giving us what we deserve.
Pouring out his heart with tears, David was completely honest with GOD. We can be honest with GOD even when we are filled with anger or despair because GOD knows us thoroughly and wants the very best for us. Our anger my result in rash outward acts or cause us to turn inward in depression, but because we trust in our all-powerful GOD, we do not have to be victims of circumstance or be weighed down by the guilt of sin. When we are honest with GOD, HE will help us turn our attention from ourselves to HIM and HIS mercy.
22 “The unfailing love of the LORD never ends! By HIS mercies we have been kept from complete destruction. 23 Great is HIS faithfulness; HIS mercies begin afresh each day.” – Lamentations 3:22-23 – GOD’s steadfast love and mercy are greater than any sin, and HE promises forgiveness. Trusting in GOD’s faithfulness day by day makes us confident in HIS great promises for the future.
O LORD, do not rebuke us in YOUR anger or discipline us in YOUR rage. Have compassion on us LORD and be gentle when you correct us. Thank YOU, Father for YOUR unfailing love that never ends. Thank YOU, for YOUR mercies that keep us from complete destruction. Great is YOUR faithfulness LORD, YOUR mercies begin afresh each day. We are grateful.
Photo: Lamoine (Maine)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
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