A Psalm by David, for a memorial. LORD, don’t rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure

The Psalm

Psalms. Chapter 38. A Psalm by David, for a memorial. LORD, don’t rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me. There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin. For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. My wounds are loathsome and corrupt because of my foolishness. I am in pain and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long. For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh. I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart. Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you. My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me. My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away. They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long. But I, as a deaf man, don’t hear. I am as a mute man who doesn’t open his mouth. Yes, I am as a man who doesn’t hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs. For I hope in you, LORD. You will answer, Lord my God. For I said, “Don’t let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips.” For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me. For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin. But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous. They who render evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good. Don’t forsake me, LORD. My God, don’t be far from me. Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation.

Worship Lyrics

A Psalm by David, for a memorial
LORD, dont rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure
For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me
There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation
Neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin
For my iniquities have gone over my head
As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me
My wounds are loathsome and corrupt because of my foolishness
I am in pain and bowed down greatly
I go mourning all day long
For my waist is filled with burning
There is no soundness in my flesh
I am faint and severely bruised
I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart
Lord, all my desire is before you
My groaning is not hidden from you
My heart throbs
My strength fails me
As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me
My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague
My kinsmen stand far away
They also who seek after my life lay snares
Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things
And meditate deceits all day long
But I, as a deaf man, dont hear
I am as a mute man who doesnt open his mouth
Yes, I am as a man who doesnt hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs
For I hope in you, LORD
You will answer, Lord my God
For I said, Dont let them gloat over me
Or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips
For I am ready to fall
My pain is continually before me
For I will declare my iniquity
I will be sorry for my sin
But my enemies are vigorous and many
Those who hate me without reason are numerous
They who render evil for good are also adversaries to me, because I follow what is good
Dont forsake me, LORD
My God, dont be far from me
Hurry to help me, Lord, my salvation

About This Psalm

Psalm 38 is a conflict psalm that speaks to the heart of worship and devotion. This ancient song continues to inspire modern believers in their faith journey.

Key Themes: conflict

Reflection

This psalm invites us to:

• Meditate on God's word and character
• Apply biblical truth to our daily lives
• Express our hearts in worship and prayer

Music & Worship

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Discussion Questions

1. What does this psalm teach us about God's character?
2. How can we apply the message of Psalm 38 to our lives today?
3. What verse or phrase stands out most to you, and why?

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