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Psalm 38:3-8

Psalm 38:3 There is no soundness in my body because of your indignation; there is no health in my bones because of my sin.

Psalm 38:4 For my violations have flooded over my head; they are a burden too heavy for me to bear.

Psalm 38:5 My wounds are foul and festering because of my foolishness.

Psalm 38:6 I am bent over and brought very low; all day long I go around in mourning

Psalm 38:7 because my insides are full of burning pain, and there is no soundness in my body.

Psalm 38:8 I am faint and severely crushed; I groan because of the anguish of my heart.

when justice is too much

The psalmist describes how he feels physically and emotionally because of his own failures. He draws a direct link from his present condition to his past sins. He does not blame anyone else – not even God, although he recognizes that his punishment comes from God. The punishment is all the more terrible because it is just. He finds himself in the uncomfortable position of one who must appeal to his own jailer for freedom.

What does one do in such a situation? Hopefully, one learns that God is just but that he is also merciful. The best course of action when confronted with an unbearable punishment one deserves is to appeal for mercy, because our just God is ready and willing to shorten the sentence.

Lord, shower us with your mercy. If we received what we deserve, we would not be able to bear it.