The Lord is compassionate and gracious. He is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love over his people. We are assured by scripture that we can flee to God (for he is our refuge) when the trials and adversaries of life overwhelm us. We have faith that God will not forsake us, but here is the question we often struggle with: Does God remain steadfast in his love for us even when he disciplines us for personal sin? Can we even seek him amid our suffering the consequence of living by fleshly desires (rather than by the Spirit)? In this Psalm, David pleads in the midst of harsh and painful discipline of God, thus he cries out, “O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath! (2) For your arrows have sunk into me and your hand has come down on me.” His lament before God describes how his physical health has been negatively impacted by his circumstances, “There is not soundness in my flesh because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin” (v3). He is distressed and his petitions before God was urgent.
To add insult to injury, he suffered the affliction of others. His own friends tuned their backs on him as they did not want to been seen associating with one suffering such disgrace. Further, his enemies saw his weakened state as opportunity to plot his destruction, “Those who seek my life lay their snares; those who seek my hurt of ruin and mediate treachery all day long” (v12).
In all these things, David knew that the hope to endure and end his suffering was only found in God. He had confidence in God’s compassion towards him; therefore, his faith compelled to continually seek his mercy until he answered. He closes this Psalm of sorrow with, “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! (22) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (v21-22). When enduring seasons of correction, here are some helpful instructions and encouragements:
- Remember, God is love. Like any parent he does not always approve of our actions and thoughts. While he never repays us according to what we deserve, he does rebuke his children.
- God disciplines because he loves. A fruitful life is one where we share in his holiness. When we disobey, we depart from that fellowship. God’s discipline (like a rod used by a shepherd on his sheep who roams off the reservation into dangerous territory) is meant to preserve our lives and place back on the narrow path of righteousness where he is. He wants us with him. Therefore, do not be discouraged when God disciplines you, for remember this exhortation, “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whose he receives” (Heb 12:6).
- Confession gives us access to God’s mercy. Hiding our sin is a futile effort before God for he sees all (Heb 4:13). Confession brings healing because it has a restorative effect on our relationship with God. Solomon observes, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Prv 28:13).
Beloved, let us imitate David in this regard. Seek God in your day of trouble and anguish. He stands ready to receive all confession of sin. He is merciful and his steadfast love endures over you. There is nothing you can admit that would cause God to shutter or turn his back on you. He loves you and always know what is best for we are promised this: Though his rod of correction is an unwelcome intruder in our lives, if we endure it with humility, it is lifesaving to our souls and restores us in his presence (Heb 12:11). Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com