by Robert Fudge

1 O LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger
or discipline me in your wrath.

2 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint;
O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.

3 My soul is in anguish.
How long, O LORD, how long?

4 Turn, O LORD, and deliver me;
save me because of your unfailing love.

5 No one remembers you when he is dead.
Who praises you from the grave?

6 I am worn out from groaning;
all night long I flood my bed with weeping
and drench my couch with tears.

7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
they fail because of all my foes.

8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.

9 The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer.

10 All my enemies will be ashamed and dismayed;
they will turn back in sudden disgrace.

While we don’t know the exact circumstances which inspired the writing of this Psalm, we do know that David was in great turmoil. David knew the power of God and so he pleads that God not punish him in His anger. In other words: “God, please don’t give me what I deserve but show Your mercy to me.”

As we read the Psalms, we cannot help but notice how much David would pour out his heart to God in his distress. However, he always came back to show his utter dependence on God.

As we strive to walk with God each day, let us open our hearts and our innermost being and lay it bare before our God. As we do this, we will become more one with Him. We also will realize more each day that God wants what is best for us. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” May your day be blessed as you live for Him.