Scripture: Psalm 6: 1-3
O Lord, do not rebuke or punish me in Your anger, Nor discipline me in Your wrath. Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am weak (faint, frail); Heal me, O Lord, for my bones are dismayed and anguished. My soul [as well as my body] is greatly dismayed. But as for You, O Lord—how long [until You act on my behalf]?
Scripture Commentary: David asks God to have mercy on him
This is the first of seven “penitential” psalms, where David humbly realizes his predicament, expresses sorrow over it, and demonstrates a fresh commitment to remain close to God. He implores God to have mercy on him.
The secret to a close relationship with God is to pray to him earnestly all the time, day and night. We don’t know the cause of David’s pain. We do know that he sought God for the remedy. As in David’s case, we must be willing to accept God’s punishment, knowing God’s discipline will be out of love for us, not out of anger.
Humans would not exist if God corrected us out of anger alone. Mercy is the reason we are on this earth, and it is the reason we can have a close relationship with God. God knows your anger and despair already. Do not hide the truth from him. Put it in his hands. God knows us thoroughly and wants the very best for us.
David poured his heart out to God and was completely honest. He was open to the consequences, understanding that God loved him.
Our merciful God forgives us instead of giving us what we really deserve. He will never leave or desert you.
Read the Entire Chapter:
Psalms 6