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Jarrod Jacobs: David's Prayer in Song

Psalms are a special kind of work. There are several psalms grouped together at times for the sake of continuity and similarity in subject. Psalms 3-6 are such psalms. They are alternating “morning” and “evening” prayers in song. Psalms 3 and 5 are considered “morning” prayers/psalms to God, while Psalms 4 and 6 are considered “evening” prayers/psalms. He does not want to fall into the hands of men (II Sam. 24:14) but throws himself at the mercy of God (Ps. 6:1-2)!

In Psalm 6, David cries for God’s mercy and forgiveness (v. 2-4). Here he declares a statement similar to Solomon’s concerning death (v. 5; Ecc. 9:5-6). His past overwhelms him, and he proclaims the misery he suffers every evening (v. 6-7). Friends, does this not touch us? How many of us dread sleep? Most can push away the grief and guilt during the day. Life’s hustle and bustle and “white noise” will push away inner thoughts and regrets. However, when night comes and it gets quiet, this is when those emotions arise. Regrets will rob men of sleep. This is David’s lament in these verses.

In these times, men try to get comfort in the wrong places. They might think comfort can be found in alcohol or other drugs, by engaging in sexual sins, etc. The world claims that more sin is the answer. Yet, after one sobers up, leaves the bed of iniquity, etc., he is in the same condition as before and has only added more sins and regret to the original suffering! How does that help our souls?

Unlike the world that offers no cure for this hurt, David makes it clear that God has the answer. When he cried to God, God “heard the sound of my weeping” (v. 8, LSB; Ps. 3:4)! David was not left alone to suffer! God was there. He knew and brought comfort to this struggling, suffering soul (v. 9)!

This psalm ends with a stern warning to his enemies. The enemies of David will be “frustrated and stricken with terror” (v. 10, The Israel Bible). Just as Paul teaches, those who exalt themselves against the knowledge of God will be struck down (II Cor. 10:5).

Thus, we see confidence and trust in God. David, like all men, is touched with sadness, frustration, and regrets at times. (How many of us can relate?) Yet, he also knows the One to whom he must turn! When we are frustrated and sorrowful, do we turn to the One who can help; or to the world? Look to the “God of all comfort” (II Cor. 1:3), and we will have comfort that is real, that is lasting, and that will help us overcome our struggles (II Cor. 1:4-7). Let us turn to Him for the forgiveness of sins as well (Jn. 14:6; Mk. 16:16). Indeed, our sins will weigh us down (Heb. 12:1), but in Christ, there is freedom (Matt. 11:28-30; Rom. 6:16-18)!

I look forward to the day when God will “wipe away all tears” for good (Rev. 7:17). In the meantime, know God is ready to dry our tears while we are on earth when we, like David, trust and follow Him when the enemies surround us. If you have trouble sleeping, and if the cares and worries of life seem to consume you and rob you of sleep, please read Psalm 6 and learn how to get true comfort.

 

 -- Jarrod Jacobs preaches with the Caneyville church of Christ in Caneyville, KY. He can be reached at (270) 589-4167 or http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com.

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