Psalms 6:1

The Bible says in Psalms 6:1-2, “O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.[2] Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, heal me; for my bones are vexed.” King David is a believer who understands how sinful he is compared to the holy God. King David knows that God can be angry against sin, and so the confession of sin is important to David. David does not want to fall into the hands of the living God. God punishes sin. God chastises His children. Christians live every day dependent upon the mercy of God. It says in First John 1:9, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” That is written to Christians. There is forgiveness of sins when you first get saved that settles the question of what will happen at the judgment when you will be allowed into heaven. But there is also forgiveness of sins that has to do with your daily relationship with the Lord. David said about himself, “I am weak.” We are all weak because we have this sinful and selfish human nature every day. Be honest with the Lord, fear His wrath, and seek His mercy every day. Mercy is when you do not get what you deserve. David was very sensitive to his relationship with the Lord and his own sinfulness. David was very troubled when he knew that he had done something that was from his sinful human nature. That is why he said, “my bones are vexed.”

David also said in Psalms 6:3, “My soul is also sore vexed: but thou, O Lord, how long?” David did not like being in a spiritual condition that was not close to the Lord. Anyone who has come to know the love of Jesus would be the same. There is no greater torment than to no longer be experiencing or enjoying that love. That is why David asks, “How long?” How long must he wait upon God? How long until David is again filled with faith and love and a closeness to the Savior? Will it be an hour or a day that he must wait? That is too long for the soul that hungers for God.

David cries out in Psalms 6:4, “Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake.” King David uses the words, “deliver my soul” and “save me.” But David is already a believer. David already knows God as his Savior. Because of his belief, David is justified and destined for heaven already. So what is he praying about? David is praying about his life on this earth and his spiritual condition. You can be in a situation where your soul is saved as far as your eternal destiny is concerned because there was a day when you honestly prayed to Jesus for salvation, but if you get off the straight and narrow way, you can lose your life in the sense that you miss what God would have done in and through you. The good thing is that no matter how much you may have failed the Lord up to this point, you can always rely upon His mercy. God will forgive any sin and any failure. Daily seek God’s mercy and daily you will have it.

David says in Psalms 6:5, “For in death there is no remembrance of thee: in the grave who shall give thee thanks?” If you do not confess your sins daily and stay in fellowship with Christ, the worst thing that can happen to you is that God can take you off this earth early. If you are not going to serve Him, why should He leave you here? You might as well go to your reward, such as it is. It says in First John 5:16, “…There is a sin unto death…” One of the main reasons that we are on the earth is to give God “thanks.” Not many people do that. Every day both the believers and the unbelievers are showered with blessings in this age of grace. But how many are thankful in their hearts for all that God does for them each day? Perhaps the most important thing to be thankful for is the mercy that we have through the Lord Jesus Christ.

David says in Psalms 6:6, “I am weary with my groaning; all the night make I my bed to swim; I water my couch with my tears.” Do we live in an age when not many people are close to God? Maybe this is why. How many have laid awake all night crying, seeking a closer walk with Christ?

David says in Psalms 6:7, “Mine eye is consumed because of grief; it waxeth old because of all mine enemies.” What was David’s grief? He was king, and there were wars. His enemies were out to kill, and many were killed in battle on both sides. David had enemies: violent and murderous enemies. But David also had the Lord, and he was wise to go to the Lord fervently to seek help.

Did God answer David’s prayers? God always answers prayer. Jesus said in Matthew 7:7, “Seek and ye shall find.” David said in Psalms 6:8-10, “Depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity; for the LORD hath heard the voice of my weeping.[9] The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer.[10] Let all mine enemies be ashamed and sore vexed: let them return and be ashamed suddenly.” Because David prayed, he was full of confidence that his prayers would be answered. It does not do much good to pray unless you believe that your prayers will be answered. David said in verse 9, “The Lord will receive my prayer.” David knew that God would protect him and take care of him. There are many benefits to being a Christian. Here are two of them: God answers our prayers, and God protects us. If you would like to have these benefits and others, then today is the day to turn to Jesus for the salvation of your soul.

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