Do Not Forsake Me

O Lord, rebuke me not in Your anger, nor discipline me in Your wrath! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!

Psalm 38

This psalm of David is filled with David’s cries of pain because of his iniquities and his separation from the Lord brought by his sins. David begs the Lord to not rebuke or discipline him in anger or wrath. David confesses that his sins have caused a heavy burden of guilt upon him with weakness in his flesh and bones, that his foolishness has caused wounds that have become infected, creating an odor. David prays that some seek to kill him as they meditate treachery all day against him. But, David proceeds to praise God for His watch-care over David. David praises God who answers his pleas for help, even though David continues to sin. As David’s enemies are vigorous, mighty and, many, David declares, “Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” David is not a super-Christian. He was a man with all the same characteristics we have today. David had a close relationship with God even though he sinned greatly during his life. Men and women are no different today. The more we devote our lives and our hearts to God, the closer we will become to Jesus. Regular reading and study of God’s Holy Bible is a good start. Daily prayer is a must. The more time and effort one devotes to the Lord, the closer one will become like our Savior and Lord.

Source: S C Ball May 25, 2023