Psalm 38: Prayer in Time of Chastening

That's how my Bible titles the 38th Psalm.  As I was reading this morning in my personal bible time, I had many thoughts.  But first I want to print some scripture that I found rather thought-provoking.

Psalm 38: 1-2; 21-22
"(1) O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath.  Nor hasten me in Your hot displeasure! (2) For Your arrows pierce me deeply, And Your hand presses me down. (21) Do not forsake me, O Lord; O My God, be not far from me!  (22) Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!"

First, let's talk about wrath.  So many Christians think that God is love and that He would never do anything that would harm us!  But no one wants to think about or admit that God is Just in His judgement.  Look at what the scriptures say.  I didn't say or write or think them!  Many have a hard time believing, following, and trusting in the God that I serve.  I am a sinner.  I know that!  But, I know whom I serve.  I know that I will be judged in Heaven.  Not by how my husband acted, not by how my children behaved, or how my neighbors and family lived.  I will be judged for ME!  MY actions will be considered.  THAT is a very sobering thought! 

Verse 2 hits me hard.  Those "arrows" that pierce, pierce deep, that rings very true.  I am convicted daily of my sins- lazyness, stubborn pride, and selfishness.  We have to put those aside and DECIDE to follow Christ and His example.  So, we must be fruitful, humble, and selfLESS if we are to show others the love of Christ.

What does it mean, "Your hand presses me down"?  I think in our sin, God is glorified.  When we think we can not get back up and that we have fallen too far, God shows us that He is there.  We might not see how the trials or troubles in our life could possibly be for our own good but they are.  The marriage is rocky, your children do not obey, the doctor says the pain will never go away and you will have to live with it the rest of your life!  Emotional, physical, and spiritual warfare "presses us down."  All so that when we are down we have to look up and believe!

Many times I have felt "far" from God.  And it's not because he has moved.  Contrary to that statement, I believe we move from Him.  We forget to place our lives in the Hand of God and we try to live it how WE think we should.  We want things our way, in our own time, and that is not how God works.  Never has, never will.

Make haste to help me, O Lord.  But, also, please help those who do not TRULY know You as they should.  Open their eyes to their sins. 

Lord, open MY eyes to be a better servant!  And in turn that will help me be a better wife, mother, and daughter.  Help me to understand and obey You when you "pierce me deeply."  In Jesus Name, Amen!