gratitude for grace

Do not forsake me, O LORD!

O my God, be not far from me!

Make haste to help me,

O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 38:21-22

As I prepare, in gratitude, to celebrate and give thanks today, I am reminded by the penitent passion of David in Psalm 38 to be at all times most thankful that God delivers me from the worst that is within me. Psalm 38 was composed in the moral aftermath of David’s confession and public exposure of the sins of adultery, murder, and conspiracy. The Law demanded death for all three offenses. And yet David pled for mercy, for forgiveness, for a return to healthy relationship with God. David is well aware of God’s discipline and wrath because of his guilt (Psalm 38:1-2). He is burdened in the depressing weight of the guilt of his sin (Psalm 38:3-4). He takes responsibility for his foolishness and selfishness (Psalm 38:5-8) even as it physically exhausts him to do so.

David acknowledges and is hurt by the relational damage he has done (Psalm 38:1-12). He is so done with the shame and guilt that he feels speechless and struck dumb (Psalm 38:13-14). And what does he do in this state? He turns to God in full repentance. He rejects living by feelings for living by faith.

And then insights about God give David hope:

• God will answer as we wait (Psalm 38:15).
• Confession clears a path to deliverance by God not only from sin, but from the torment of accusers (Psalm 38:17-20).
• God reveals a new direction, following the good, that emerges from His grace and forgiveness (Psalm 38:20).

And all those insights lead to confidence that God, in forgiving grace, will not forsake us. Jesus, Who is our salvation, will help those who humbly confess sin, grieve over the consequences, and then follow God Who is salvation. Thank You, God, that You deliver us at our worst to help us serve and love You at Your best!