Psalms 6:6 I am worn out from my groaning; with my tears, I soak my bed and drown my couch every night.
The psalmist knows long periods of waiting and suffering. It does not stop him from praying, because he knows that only God can change his situation. He does not know when the answer will come.
Such prayers are not signs of defeat. A faithful prayer life over long periods of waiting is a victory in itself.
Psalms 6:5 Because there is no celebration of you at death; who can praise you in Sheol?
Lots of people believe that death sets a person free and sends her to God’s presence. If that were the case, then it is hard to explain the psalmist’s prayer here. He anticipates his own death, and expects to descend to Sheol— the state of death. But he thinks of that state as an unconscious one where worship is not possible. He wants to be rescued— to stay alive.
The Bible speaks of the hope of resurrection— the promise of life after this life. But it does not endorse the pagan notion of disembodied life beyond death.
Psalms 6:4 Come back Yahveh! Rescue my soul; save me because of your covenant faithfulness.
The psalmist feels like God has gone away to a distant place, and is not accessible like he was before. Believers everywhere have felt that.
Sometimes I hike alone, and I generally like it. But after a dangerous rock scramble, or an encounter with a snake or a bear, I feel the aloneness more intensely. I start to reassess the decision to go solo that day.
The psalmist knows that God is always there. He never really goes solo. But he often feels like he is. He is asking God to come back— that is, to make his presence known again. The psalmist needs rescuing. He was never intended to go solo.
Psalms 6:3 my soul is very disturbed. And you, Yahveh — when… until when?
The psalmist has experienced many days of helpless waiting for God to act on his behalf. His whole being— the living soul God created—- needs rescue. He does not know how long he can keep his confidence. In prayer, he faithfully reports his condition. He does not pretend to be unshakable. He obviously does not believe that his confidence is what changes things.
I have heard many proud— almost boastful confident prayers. I have felt ashamed of my weak sounding pleading before God. But when I compare the prayers in that confidence competition— it seems that humility is the more biblical attitude. Of course, We are also told to come boldly to the throne of grace.
Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)
Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Is there such a thing as bold humility?
Psalms 6:2 Demonstrate your grace to me, Yahveh, because I am depressed; heal me, Yahveh, because my bones keep shaking;
The psalmist doesn’t pretend to be a perfect example of spirituality. He is depressed and afraid, and boldly tells God what he feels like. He may have to put on a show of strength so his enemies do not think him vulnerable. But in his prayer closet, all masks come off.
Lord, thank you for your presence being a safe place for us to be who we really are.
Psalms 6:1 Yahveh, do not respond to me with your anger; do not discipline me with your wrath.
The psalmist knows the anger and wrath of his enemies. But he fears the anger and wrath of his God. He knows the trouble that brought him to his knees in prayer. But he fears the trouble he might experience if God were to reject that prayer. He is entering the presence of the most
powerful being anywhere.
Lord, we are thankful that your invite us into your presence, and that we need not fear your judgment. But help us to remember to treat you with the respect you deserve.
Devotions 