Good Morning,
Today’s Readings: Psalm 38, Galatians 1-3
Psalm 38 reminds me that the effects of sin are pervasive – they affect the body, mind, and spirit. Our communication with the Lord is blocked and we feel the consequences of our sinful actions. Depression, disease and distraction can be natural outcomes which overwhelm our souls and weaken us to the point of being crushed with guilt and shame. Strength fails and “even the light has gone from my eyes”. Like the prodigal son, we must at these times come to our senses and repent of our transgressions and surrender ourselves at the Throne of Grace and the Mercy Seat of Christ.
David’s sense of soul pain is intensified as he laments, in verse 11, that “My friends and companions avoid me because of my wounds; my neighbors stay far away.” Isn’t it hard when those who should be the first to come to the rescue, are the first to desert us? Yet a convicted conscience cannot be bound up by the best of friends. It seems to me that the Holy Spirit puts us in these places to hem us in and cause us to look up, lean into Him, and cry out for mercy and forgiveness, as David does here. It’s a lesson for us all to not think too highly of ourselves and to stand firm in our faith. I am also reminded that as followers of Christ, when a brother or sister is caught in sin and shows repentance and has received correction, we “ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” (2 Cor 2:7) It is a good thing to have Godly sorrow for sin that leads to repentance and a fresh and wholehearted seeking of the Lord! Is there someone in your life who needs forgiveness and comfort today?
Phil Bourgeois