Post details: Psalm 6: Blog #2
Psalm 6: Blog #2
We will in the future discuss what "a psalm of David" means, for now I will maintain the standard designation of David as this psalm's composer.
The poet begins relating his present relationship with God; he has antagonized Yahweh to the extent that anger manifests. So some preliminary observations. The first of the two synonyms, "anger," is the opposite, for those who remember from Pentateuch or Former Prophets, of long suffering; in this case God has a short nose, he's hot. That's the second synonym, the verb means "to become warm," or "to become hot." Neither of these is a trait of God's that I nor you would want to experience.
My second thought reflects best in a question: how did David realize that God was upset with him? In the blessings and curses, listed in Deut. 28, God physically demonstrates his reaction to his people's behavior in an attempt to influence their conduct to line up with that articulated in the Torah. Verse 2, perhaps helps us diagnose how God put his judgmental finger on David's life, (1) "pinning away" referring to an emotionally stressful situation God manufactured, (2) "bones dismayed" referencing a physical ailment significantly threatening, or "soul (Hebrew does not reference 'soul' as the Greek philosophers, rather it's a person's being, one's entire self, it's who I am versus who you are) is greatly dismayed" indicates a spiritual challenge felt to the depth of his being.
In typical psalmic fashion, David articulates his problem as one of distance, God is far away. "How long" will you stay away from me? David reacts with, vs. 6-7, deeps sighs, constant tears, day and night, and wasting grief--has anyone ever cried over their sin, or the sin of others? He ends this description with a base-addition couplet, now for the first time in this prayer we learn that his grief results from his enemies; their success against God's anointed can only illustrate God's holy war against his own people, again, as a corrective with motive to restore.
Next, I want to bring to your attention two reoccurring psalm themes, vs. 4, 5: (1) God's in-spite-of-ness and (2) the psalmist's use of Sheol as a ploy to gain a positive response, and add a practical thought to each. First, here David does not call upon God to forgive him because of any other reason than that God in his basic essence is a forgiving God, see the golden calf restoration and throughout Ezekiel. To bring this home to us, let's put it this way: in spite of my behavior, because God loves me he will forgive and restore me; he will act non-rationally toward this wandering, sinful believer.
Second, the Sheol--not hell, but rather where OT Israelites thought their dead went, a nebulous gray area whose further description was little known to those alive--reference sought to glean God's consideration: men thank me, dead men don't. David pleas with God to extend his life in order that he would be able to live longer to praise God more. Don't make too much of the theology here about God needing man to keep himself happy.
Finally the last three verses. Commentators have long called psalms as this laments. Most laments end as does Psalm 6: David realizes that God has heard. It's not that his enemies have now been defeated, but that the perceived distance between David and God isn't, nor in reality wasn't. Note the verb tenses: "God has heard"--past tense; "my enemies will be ashamed"--yet future. This will be the major point that I would like you to learn from our study of lament. Rediscovering a God presumed far-off, causes our problem, whatever trial we experience, to pale in comparison and become manageable as we realize that God is in control.
Comments:
Comment from: Songeun Beak [Visitor] 
This is a psalm of David.
When I read verse 1, I was curious "God also has emotional feeling like human being." as a parent of two children, sometimes I treat my children as my anger and rage. I know it is wrong but it happens. it is so difficult to control my anger. God! please heal me and save me as your unfailing love.
Sometimes, I feels that God is far away. God please not give me these sadness.I don't want to grieve because of that.
But I know it always happen to me. When I weep for this, please give me answer that you are always in me.
God!! Please control my everythings.
When I read verse 1, I was curious "God also has emotional feeling like human being." as a parent of two children, sometimes I treat my children as my anger and rage. I know it is wrong but it happens. it is so difficult to control my anger. God! please heal me and save me as your unfailing love.
Sometimes, I feels that God is far away. God please not give me these sadness.I don't want to grieve because of that.
But I know it always happen to me. When I weep for this, please give me answer that you are always in me.
God!! Please control my everythings.
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01/29/08 @ 16:32
Comment from: Hannah Mecaskey [Visitor] · http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
· http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
So as much as I never want to shorten God’s nose with my behavior, I find myself doing something, which I’m sure, aggravates Him every day. Maybe God is overall pleased with me and just gracious on those little day-to-day things, but I would rather live this life out perfectly, because while He may not move according to my “little sin,” I sure feel as if He moves. My perception of feeling God being so important to me, I must be careful not to block myself off from Him so I can continue feeling out “His will” (Rabbi, I know you would prefer we talk about God’s will in terms of obedience, but I am using it in terms of what I feel is the best decision for me based on what I know about God)… or maybe I should say His pleasure. So I want God to be “hot” with me, but not in angry way, but in the kind of hot that burns me up with how happy He is. But I won’t go anywhere near that angry place of God’s… He can just be Holy there all by Himself.
But from time to time, unfortunately, like David, I make God “hot” at me… and I feel it like David. Either there’s a more severe emotional tension racing through me; a perpetual unsettledness, some state where no matter how exhausted I am, I just can’t rest until I feel God’s forgiveness (which is sometimes dependent on my actions, because maybe in Heaven I’m already forgiven); or I too feel God’s anger in this physical body. Have you ever “felt God’s displeasure” in high-tension headaches, upset stomachs, or unexplainable discomfort. I believe that our spirit affects how our body functions, as well as our psyche, all that inter-connectedness which composes me. And God’s displeasure (or likewise pleasure) runs through the whole of me.
Hm… so dead men don’t praise God? I wonder… I kinda believe we all go “down” to Sheol… but I think it’s another dimension of right here (yes, I believe in ghosts) until we stand before that whole white throne judgment. I think it makes sense that, if you are going to play around with the idea of God “needing” man to get His will accomplished, of course a willing servant is better than one who is compelled. I wonder if David is also pleading with God, because He doesn’t want to lose that breath of life, that filling of God’s life yet. Not only will David be useless to God, but dare I suggest God will be “useless” to David? In that He will not be able to choose to serve God anymore, but will be left with certain things not made right with God before death.
I think David’s realization of God encourages me, as I sometimes walk through those days, weeks, even months when I can’t feel God. Choosing to believe He is and He’s faithful can be hard at times. God knows just when I can’t take anymore and reassures me of Himself in those times. I am never given too hard a test, though the ones He sends me stretch my faith close to a breaking point every time, praise God. It’s never worth taking one’s own life… if David didn’t, if Job hung in there, its always worth the wait on God. I am convinced by faith.
I think God's emotional too... He has to be... but He always does it right. God's in control, I don't care how much changes.
But from time to time, unfortunately, like David, I make God “hot” at me… and I feel it like David. Either there’s a more severe emotional tension racing through me; a perpetual unsettledness, some state where no matter how exhausted I am, I just can’t rest until I feel God’s forgiveness (which is sometimes dependent on my actions, because maybe in Heaven I’m already forgiven); or I too feel God’s anger in this physical body. Have you ever “felt God’s displeasure” in high-tension headaches, upset stomachs, or unexplainable discomfort. I believe that our spirit affects how our body functions, as well as our psyche, all that inter-connectedness which composes me. And God’s displeasure (or likewise pleasure) runs through the whole of me.
Hm… so dead men don’t praise God? I wonder… I kinda believe we all go “down” to Sheol… but I think it’s another dimension of right here (yes, I believe in ghosts) until we stand before that whole white throne judgment. I think it makes sense that, if you are going to play around with the idea of God “needing” man to get His will accomplished, of course a willing servant is better than one who is compelled. I wonder if David is also pleading with God, because He doesn’t want to lose that breath of life, that filling of God’s life yet. Not only will David be useless to God, but dare I suggest God will be “useless” to David? In that He will not be able to choose to serve God anymore, but will be left with certain things not made right with God before death.
I think David’s realization of God encourages me, as I sometimes walk through those days, weeks, even months when I can’t feel God. Choosing to believe He is and He’s faithful can be hard at times. God knows just when I can’t take anymore and reassures me of Himself in those times. I am never given too hard a test, though the ones He sends me stretch my faith close to a breaking point every time, praise God. It’s never worth taking one’s own life… if David didn’t, if Job hung in there, its always worth the wait on God. I am convinced by faith.
I think God's emotional too... He has to be... but He always does it right. God's in control, I don't care how much changes.
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01/29/08 @ 17:54
Comment from: Dan Haynes [Visitor]
As I begin to examine this Psalm through the ideas put forth in this blog I find myself questioning a lot of things. First of all God having such great patience towards us befuddles me. It's almost like at times we want to see just how long his "nose" is. However, when we get to the end of that nose we begin to see how short it is if that makes sense? Like David numerous times it is like there is a huge wall that comes between God and us (me), and thus we tend to cry out as if God has withdrawn from us. In reality though we have distanced ourselves from Him for one reason or another. I can't control my anger/emotions a majority of the time, but God He does. God does not let His emotions control Him (if He did I'm sure we would all have been zapped by now). So although God is emotional He is in complete control of those emotions.
My prayer here is that not matter the circumstances or emotions that surround me or influence me I pray that You God would teach me to deal in a fashion similar to yours in that my "nose" would continue to increase in length.
My prayer here is that not matter the circumstances or emotions that surround me or influence me I pray that You God would teach me to deal in a fashion similar to yours in that my "nose" would continue to increase in length.
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01/30/08 @ 13:44
Comment from: Christa Moss [Visitor]
It just seems like a typical reaction to pain/hard times.
We feel weak, useless even in hard times.
We dont feel we are capable.
So we get mad, we get upset.
We learn we cant do it alone.
We eventually give it up to God.
We feel a new kind of strength
And renewal.
We feel weak, useless even in hard times.
We dont feel we are capable.
So we get mad, we get upset.
We learn we cant do it alone.
We eventually give it up to God.
We feel a new kind of strength
And renewal.
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01/30/08 @ 15:08
Comment from: Aimee Cartner [Visitor]
I have been feeling like my own worst enemy lately. David often speaks of enemies, whether inside himself or outside. In this psalm he seems to be speaking of both, weakness and physical sickness, and later workers of iniquity(vs 8). I don't usually think of myself as having enemies, but I often think of myself of being unable to do something or having messed up an occasion to serve the Lord. Then I beat up on myself, because I have tried to live life without depending on God's strength. No wonder the psalmist says "for I am weak".
He goes on to say that his soul is greatly troubled and ask How Long? I wonder that myself, and then I read something or hear something, or maybe just think it, that reminds me-- He never went anywhere. If I am weak, unable to do something, it is because I'm forgetting the Lord in the picture. I am not stronger than the enemies within(my SELF) or without(seen or unseen), but whoa!!HE is, and he never leaves me. So, I have spent the last couple of weeks a lot like David, not physically ill, no enemies trying to kill, harm, or even discredit me, except myself, and in listening to satan's accusations, more than what the Lord has already declared.
The Lord has heard my prayer, and sighed saying "Aimee, I'm right here, lean on me, let me be stong in your weakness". Perhaps it's gotten through my thick skull... again. But considering the number of psalms that I've been reading with this same type of content, I think that I am not the first or the only follower of God to forget that He is always there, and depend on his strength, AND his gracious forgiveness and mercy (Can you have gracious mercy??)
He goes on to say that his soul is greatly troubled and ask How Long? I wonder that myself, and then I read something or hear something, or maybe just think it, that reminds me-- He never went anywhere. If I am weak, unable to do something, it is because I'm forgetting the Lord in the picture. I am not stronger than the enemies within(my SELF) or without(seen or unseen), but whoa!!HE is, and he never leaves me. So, I have spent the last couple of weeks a lot like David, not physically ill, no enemies trying to kill, harm, or even discredit me, except myself, and in listening to satan's accusations, more than what the Lord has already declared.
The Lord has heard my prayer, and sighed saying "Aimee, I'm right here, lean on me, let me be stong in your weakness". Perhaps it's gotten through my thick skull... again. But considering the number of psalms that I've been reading with this same type of content, I think that I am not the first or the only follower of God to forget that He is always there, and depend on his strength, AND his gracious forgiveness and mercy (Can you have gracious mercy??)
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01/30/08 @ 18:02
Comment from: Tim Sanford [Visitor]
Well Hannah was not first. That is a good question about how David knew that God was mad at him. Bad things happen sometimes how can we know that it is God's anger. I know that I don't want God angry with me. I think that God's anger would be pretty sever like Deuteronomy 28. I think we would probably know. I don't think that it is God's anger when even he orchestrates something against us. I think that it is more of an exercise. You know like the tests that you give us. It is not that you are angry at us so you make our lives miserable (I don't really mind them) but it is because you want to teach us. The long nose of God is very much appreciated. I can't believe it. I definitely take it for granted. Perhaps I shouldn't so much. I should be fearful of my sin and cry about it but I don't. Perhaps I am cold. I wonder if David went more on knowledge than on feelings when it came to knowing that God was there. Sometimes that is all that gets us through. We just have to know that something is true becuase we sure wont feel it.
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01/30/08 @ 20:12
Comment from: Scott Ladd [Visitor]
I'm going to piggy back on Tim's thoughts. To be specific his thoughts on David acting on knowledge or emotion. That is the problem that I see when I read the Psalm. Like the old movie Ghost Busters, "Who ya gonna call?" When life is hard, times are tough, "Who ya gonna call?" When your heart is troubled, "Who ya gonna call?"
How about when you've sinned, now... "Who ya gonna call?"
When you sin, you are willing to continue until stuff happens. Stuff happens, stuff that you know isn't right. You're not always sure if it's punishment, or consequence. One thing is certain, the situation has gotten out of control.
So when you end up on your knees, asking for forgiveness, is motivation also a factor in God's imparting forgiveness? I should be "repenting" due to disgust with my own behavior, but often it's more a way to get out of the situation my behavior put me in? If it is just an escape, how long before I'm poking temptation with a stick to see if its dead?
How about when you've sinned, now... "Who ya gonna call?"
When you sin, you are willing to continue until stuff happens. Stuff happens, stuff that you know isn't right. You're not always sure if it's punishment, or consequence. One thing is certain, the situation has gotten out of control.
So when you end up on your knees, asking for forgiveness, is motivation also a factor in God's imparting forgiveness? I should be "repenting" due to disgust with my own behavior, but often it's more a way to get out of the situation my behavior put me in? If it is just an escape, how long before I'm poking temptation with a stick to see if its dead?
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01/30/08 @ 22:47
Comment from: mario [Visitor]
I thank God for his inspite-of-ness. When I go astray and follow my own path, and then I realize I've messed up and then ask for forgiveness and God forgives because of who he is, that's really good. God is a forgiving God, not holding a grudge or being angry forever. As mentioned David knew this about God. In repentance and grief over his sin he knew in his heart he did not deserve forgiveness, but also in his heart he knew God's very nature is to forgive. With that being known he pours it all out before God and God forgives him. Well, since God forgave David I think He might just forgive us too.
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01/31/08 @ 14:34
Comment from: Josh Sorber [Visitor]
There is no doubt that during this time of the Psalmists life, he was in a dark and troubled time. He was obvously in a constant struggle against oppression of the evil one. He may have felt like his own life was so overcome by the troubles of this world that there was no one to turn to. He found himself having no option but crying out to the Lord for grace and mercy. In a great emotional outcry he pours out his heart to his God, his only refuge. In verse 6 I get the impression that he has been so broken down that he actually crys in his sleep as his bed becomes drenched with tears. I am confident that there is some sort of minor melodic tune that David may have sung with this Psalm. Possibly one that would have expressed such dramatic speech at an even higher level then we find it in its poetic form.
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01/31/08 @ 16:22
Comment from: Hannah Mecaskey [Visitor] · http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
· http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
Timmy, not to put you on the spot, but what would it take for you, or any of you men to cry over your sin? I am awkwardly asking you to be vulnerable about that... we women do believe you have feelings, and tears don't make one weak... you know that saying "pain is weakness leaving the body?" Better the tears come out that remain in... same principle as the weakness.. So maybe do we even care what we do to the heart of God when we sin?
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01/31/08 @ 19:16
Comment from: Rebecca Edney [Visitor]
Have compassion on me, Lord, for I am weak…Save me because of Your unfailing love.
This is often my cry for mercy. I used to not think it was ok to plead for compassion after sinning against such a God as ours. I did not see Him as a great punisher, but I did see Him as loyal to consequence. I expected this of Him more than I ever could think of expecting forgiveness or grace or counting on His love. This past year, however, I’ve begun to truly understand just how much “in-spite-of-ness” is involved in love…and so in my sin I look to Him from my weakness and claim His character.
Who can praise You from the grave?
Another phrase in conversation with God that used to make me uncomfortable – also because I left love out, I think. Yes, all that I am wants to praise God in all that I do every day of my life…but God has absolutely no need of me. That was my focus: God up there, me down here. But then I began to realize that God’s sovereignty includes me rather than excludes me. He is in control and His love is such that He desires my greatest joy and knows it to be found in Him. Not only that but He is glorified even more when my heart rests in who I believe Him to be. His interest in His rightful glory involves my example to the rest of this world that He can be trusted and that He alone is peace and joy and love. So indeed, Lord, let me live to praise You! For what can I really do from the grave…
The victorious ending to many Psalms have both amazed and annoyed me. At times the author’s solid perspective of God in control has been inspiring, yet at times I just wish he or she would wallow a bit more in their despair…because then I could. It’s easier to want to complain and bemoan any hard situation, but a perspective of God’s sovereignty always makes more sense. He is in control and He is good, I should need no other assurance.
This is often my cry for mercy. I used to not think it was ok to plead for compassion after sinning against such a God as ours. I did not see Him as a great punisher, but I did see Him as loyal to consequence. I expected this of Him more than I ever could think of expecting forgiveness or grace or counting on His love. This past year, however, I’ve begun to truly understand just how much “in-spite-of-ness” is involved in love…and so in my sin I look to Him from my weakness and claim His character.
Who can praise You from the grave?
Another phrase in conversation with God that used to make me uncomfortable – also because I left love out, I think. Yes, all that I am wants to praise God in all that I do every day of my life…but God has absolutely no need of me. That was my focus: God up there, me down here. But then I began to realize that God’s sovereignty includes me rather than excludes me. He is in control and His love is such that He desires my greatest joy and knows it to be found in Him. Not only that but He is glorified even more when my heart rests in who I believe Him to be. His interest in His rightful glory involves my example to the rest of this world that He can be trusted and that He alone is peace and joy and love. So indeed, Lord, let me live to praise You! For what can I really do from the grave…
The victorious ending to many Psalms have both amazed and annoyed me. At times the author’s solid perspective of God in control has been inspiring, yet at times I just wish he or she would wallow a bit more in their despair…because then I could. It’s easier to want to complain and bemoan any hard situation, but a perspective of God’s sovereignty always makes more sense. He is in control and He is good, I should need no other assurance.
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02/01/08 @ 08:05
Comment from: Rebecca Edney [Visitor]
Hannah, I relate to your state of “perpetual unsettledness,” though it is God’s disappointment that is harder for me to deal with than His anger. His love and mercy and grace are all beautiful to me, but they become painful when I deny Him. His anger makes more sense to me in so many situations…yet He responds in love.
You challenged, in your question to Timmy, “Do we even care what we do to the heart of God when we sin?” I have only to look back to Jesus’ choice in the Garden, “Not my will, but Yours,” and my heart breaks…
Aimee, you are indeed not the first. I have only recently realized that my self-blame is most often straight from Satan. I loathe my weakness, forgetting that my weakness gives Him the opportunity to show Himself strong.
You challenged, in your question to Timmy, “Do we even care what we do to the heart of God when we sin?” I have only to look back to Jesus’ choice in the Garden, “Not my will, but Yours,” and my heart breaks…
Aimee, you are indeed not the first. I have only recently realized that my self-blame is most often straight from Satan. I loathe my weakness, forgetting that my weakness gives Him the opportunity to show Himself strong.
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02/01/08 @ 08:42
Comment from: Leanne Rofe [Visitor]
It sure is wonderful to know that God loves us even when we are a Bum. I am grateful that God does not determine to love us based on what we can do for Him or on how we act. If this was the case God would love none of us especially me. However, I think that I often take for granted the fact that God will show mercy upon me, and love me in spite of my actions or attitudes. Instead of responding in this manner knowing he loves and shows mercy to me should motivate me to behave in a way that is pleasing to God. This makes me think of Romans 6:15 "...shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." Though I would never say that I am disobeying God just so His grace and mercy can be shown I do often act in this manner. Though it is not my intention I often sin knowing that God will forgive me and love me anyway. God may I be motivated to act in a manner that is pleasing to you, and not take for granted your love and mercy displayed in my life.
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02/01/08 @ 09:33
Comment from: Josh Sinclair [Visitor]
Like David, I've written a lot of poetry and shed a lot of tears over my sins. When you've burnt a whole in your stomach from excessive alcohol consumption, you tend rethink a lot of things. My body, stomach included, was given to me by God. He leased it out to me and to my everlasting shame, I abused it. I could probably go on and on about the sins I've committed, and that, is a burden that does not easily lift. Yes, Jesus has forgiven me, but the scars of sin remain, and those scars I must bear for the rest of my life. Let that be a lesson to anyone who views the momentary pleasures of sin lightly. You may not end up with a stomach ulcer, but you'll certainly end up in pain, nonetheless.
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02/01/08 @ 13:11
Comment from: Marcia Payton-Harp [Visitor] · http://I don\\\\\\\'t know what a URL is
· http://I don\\\\\\\'t know what a URL is
I know many times in my lifeI have seen people who have not accepted God in their life--til death becomes an issue. God does not need us, in my understanding, he created us to that He had someone to love and someone to love Him.
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02/01/08 @ 13:48
Comment from: sakiko Ayashiro [Visitor]
about v.8-9, to me, it seems like David encourages himself to believe that God heard his prayer. I am not sure how he knew God heard it. he might know it somehow, or he might choose to believe it according to God's word.
When i am in this kind of situation by my sin, i struggle to believe that God hears my prayer. because i make the situation on my sin.
however through reading this David' prayer(?) again and again, i start to think about what really means being humble, and believe/put faith on God, and admitting my position and behavior where i should be stand on before God.
God is Justice, Grace and Love, and ....
i started to doubt if i believe God with my partial faith to some of God's character that i pick some up according to my advantage.
i should keep considering.
When i am in this kind of situation by my sin, i struggle to believe that God hears my prayer. because i make the situation on my sin.
however through reading this David' prayer(?) again and again, i start to think about what really means being humble, and believe/put faith on God, and admitting my position and behavior where i should be stand on before God.
God is Justice, Grace and Love, and ....
i started to doubt if i believe God with my partial faith to some of God's character that i pick some up according to my advantage.
i should keep considering.
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02/01/08 @ 16:04
Comment from: Hannah Mecaskey [Visitor] · http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
· http://leshemshamayim.wordpress.com/
It makes me wonder... those of the artistic bent who naturally are moved to weep by words that evoke feeling... and those who tend to live so practically that there just isn't time to let our feelings be real before God... I just wonder at how we all must see God differently because of our natural bents. Yet we in the church have these appreciation days... art appreciation, or foster such sentiment, trying to allow for the whole body to benefit from individual expression of love to God; it just seems so cheap. As I am challenging myself, and I encourage you to challenge me and each other as well in this, how are you allowing yourself to be involved with someone who worships or prays differently? Maybe a song sweeps you off your feet, enraptured before God, or maybe you read His word and feel a tender Father speaking into your heart. I guess I really just want us all to share our different perspectives of God, which requires a level of honesty so infrequently reached in Christian community today (I feel)... the more perspective one has, the more full a picture and the more full an appreciation of Yhwh, the Most High God.
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02/02/08 @ 11:53
Comment from: Matt Terboss [Visitor]
Oh how I wish I could have the feelings that “David” has toward Yahweh to visible weep because I feel like my God is gone. But I don't have those emotions, I give some deep sighs, but tears, let alone constant tears. God and I have never shared those emotions together. Perhaps we should, at least on some level. At times my prayers are probably not filled enough with emotions. I think even subconsciously I am not fully myself when I pray to God. But it is a goal I strive to do, to go before God wholly myself, and not change myself for no reason.
I want to look at sin in a different light then I do. I want to be distress when I sin, I want to weep at failing my God, who puts up too much with me already. But I suppose I'm not doing too good on that part. I don't think it's ever talked about, after all it seems more and more that sin is downplayed. Sin is real, and sin makes God sad, and it needs to make me sad. Curse this human nature of mine. How it seems to to keep a distance between Yahweh and I. Thank the heavens that God is a a God of mercy. That I can screw up and he won't zap me right there. Although he would very much have the right to.
Perhaps I should at times plead that he wouldn't zap me. That perhaps even the junk I'll put him through I can still praise him here on Earth. I wonder how far that would go... If I can get into the Psalmist mindset then perhaps I can praise God and have his sense of knowing that God has heard me when I am in a hard place. That would be cool I think at least...
I want to look at sin in a different light then I do. I want to be distress when I sin, I want to weep at failing my God, who puts up too much with me already. But I suppose I'm not doing too good on that part. I don't think it's ever talked about, after all it seems more and more that sin is downplayed. Sin is real, and sin makes God sad, and it needs to make me sad. Curse this human nature of mine. How it seems to to keep a distance between Yahweh and I. Thank the heavens that God is a a God of mercy. That I can screw up and he won't zap me right there. Although he would very much have the right to.
Perhaps I should at times plead that he wouldn't zap me. That perhaps even the junk I'll put him through I can still praise him here on Earth. I wonder how far that would go... If I can get into the Psalmist mindset then perhaps I can praise God and have his sense of knowing that God has heard me when I am in a hard place. That would be cool I think at least...
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02/02/08 @ 20:34
Comment from: Beth Smith [Visitor]
Too often I have heard sin justified by the saying, "I'm not hurting anyone." But the truth is, we are, and we do it more frequently than we think. Not only do we hurt ourselves because of our sin, but we seem to forget that we grieve the heart of God at the same time, at least I do. As has been previously stated, it is because of God's love for us, in spite of us, that we are able to call on him and be restored if we so choose. Sometimes I think that God's distance is just to show us that we're not as smart as we thought. We need God every day all the time, and what appears to be separation can many times be that God wants us to discover again that we can't live without him. How frustrating it must be to watch someone you love make stupid mistakes over and over again, but that's what God does with us. I am so thankful for his patience with me, and am continually learning that every circumstance in my life happens for a reason, in order to mature and grow me for the purpose of becoming more like his son. I have a long way to go, but I know it's worth it.
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02/03/08 @ 12:15
Comment from: Michael Brown [Visitor]
I asked my self the same question that Tim Sanford asked. Sometimes bad things happen to good people. If I am being disobedient, or living with unrepentant sin, then I expect God to have a short nose. I would not be shocked by my unrest or conviction. However, perhaps God is testing us, our using us for His purposes and Glory, (like Joseph). Perhaps we are living within His will, but still suffering like Job did. I think the key to answering this question of "guilt" is easy. We simply ask Him, (what a novel idea) if God appears to have a short nose with us, is it of our own doing, or something else. If we ask Him, His Spirit within us will convict us of sin, even sins of ignorance (sins we didn't know we had committed). If it is something else, the answer becomes self evident; either we are are being cursed or blessed. If we are being cursed, then we are simply receiving His justice. If we are being blessed, it may hurt during the now, but in the end (out of time / future) we will benefit.
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02/03/08 @ 15:04
Comment from: Kendra Sorochinsky [Visitor]
God's inspite-of-ness is always reassuring to me. Like Tim said, I should be fearful of my sin and should cry out to God pleading for his forgiveness, but I often times don't take God seriously like the Israelites did not for so many years. Also, I do fear God's wrath, I mean who shouldn't fear that?! But, it is important that I realize that it's only God's way of bringing me back to him and teaching me. I also need to remember as many other pointed out, that God doesn't put us through trials based on our sin, but "bad things happen to good people." The circumstances may seem bad, but no matter what, it is important to remember that God is in control, and he's only doing it for our good.
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02/04/08 @ 10:54
Comment from: Beth Nuernberger [Visitor]
Somehow this Psalm is an encouragement to me. We all have times when our lives are not pleasing to God and then times when we get so caught up that we can't handle it on our own and call out to God for help. I know thats true for my life anyway. This Psalm is an encouragement to me because I know that God is faithful and hears our cries to him as verse 9 says. Even when we're at our lowest and feel that we can't get any further from God, he can still repair our relationship with him and draw us back into perfect fellowship with him.
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02/05/08 @ 00:35
Comment from: Grace Fernandez [Visitor]
I remember those days when I would "flood my bed with tears.." It was that place of brokenness, and my Savior met me there. How amazing! I still am astonished that the Lord even wants to hear my prayers and in verse 9 it even says that he "accepts my prayer." I just love that. It is so great to know that my God hears and accepts me and prayers.
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02/06/08 @ 00:31
Comment from: Scott Ladd (the depressed Patriots fan) [Visitor]
Hannah, you asked a couple times here about weeping in general. I can count on a hand the number of times that I have cried in regard to sin, and it is probably the same number of times I have cried in general. So far in my life only sin has been able to stir up enough hurt in me to create tears. Each instance that has taken place is etched into my memory, the circumstance, the pain, the repenting, the pain...
It may not happen often, but when it does, it is something that sticks, it is a place I never want to visit again.
It may not happen often, but when it does, it is something that sticks, it is a place I never want to visit again.
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02/07/08 @ 23:29
Comment from: Chris Dorais [Visitor]
God is amazing! God's presence is amazing! We feel him when we look for him and we feel lonely and lost when we sight of him. To weep for the Lord when we fall short or lose sight of him reminds me of myself as a child lost in a store. I was always keeping my eyes on my parents to make sure I was close to them. They would always tell me to stay close to them but I wander off for just a second and I take my eyes of my parents and before I know it I am in a panic looking for my parents because I lost sight of them. Finally I find them exactly where they were when I wander off and with tears in my eyes my parents they ask me where did you go and with the words that still stick with me to this day they say, it's okay we're here for you; everything is going to be okay. God is my parent and every time I lose sight of him he is always there and he always says, "everything is going to be okay."
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02/10/08 @ 15:55
Comment from: Sommer Scott [Visitor]
We are so undeserving, aren't we? God
never gives up on us. He is always
there to lift us up. Even though we
may feel far apart from Him, He is
not the one who moved apart--it is
always us. He is always there to
strengthen and comfort us. Just like
David knew God had heard him, we know
in our own hearts that God hears us
when we seek Him.
never gives up on us. He is always
there to lift us up. Even though we
may feel far apart from Him, He is
not the one who moved apart--it is
always us. He is always there to
strengthen and comfort us. Just like
David knew God had heard him, we know
in our own hearts that God hears us
when we seek Him.
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03/03/08 @ 19:55 Leave a comment:
