Psalm 38, David, a Man After God's Heart

Acts 13: 22: “After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’”

What a wonderful testimony for David from God, “a man after my own heart.” And what a lovely picture of grace.

Because, of course, David didn’t always do what God wanted him to do. Yet, that is the memory of David that God leaves us with in the bible.

In Psalm 38, I believe we have another look at how David drew himself close to God’s heart.

Verses 1-4: “Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger

    or discipline me in your wrath.

Your arrows have pierced me,

    and your hand has come down on me.

Because of your wrath there is no health in my body;

    there is no soundness in my bones because of my sin.

My guilt has overwhelmed me

    like a burden too heavy to bear.”

David spoke with honesty and bravery to his god. He cried out in pain, accusing God? Showing anger to God?

He admitted his sin, but begged for mercy.

Verses 5-6,18: “My wounds fester and are loathsome

    because of my sinful folly.

I am bowed down and brought very low;

    all day long I go about mourning.

I confess my iniquity;

    I am troubled by my sin.”

Verse 9: “All my longings lie open before you, Lord;

    my sighing is not hidden from you.”

While confessing his sin, David still knew it was all right to put his requests to God.

Verse 15,19: “Lord, I wait for you;

    you will answer, Lord my God.

Many have become my enemies without cause;

    those who hate me without reason are numerous.”

David had true earthly enemies. I don’t, but the devil is an enemy who seeks to harm me every day. I, too, need to depend on God’s help with this battle.

Verses 21-22: “Lord, do not forsake me;

    do not be far from me, my God.

Come quickly to help me,

    my Lord and my Savior.”

David knew God’s heart. At the same time he groaned because of his pain, accused God of piercing him, he begged for forgiveness and help, and he trusted God would come to him.

Lord, teach me to reach for this closeness to you.