When I think that I am now suffering because of the sins I have committed ...

When I think that I am now suffering

because of the sins I have committed ...

 

 

When I think that I am currently suffering because of the sins I have committed, what should I do?

I turn to the lessons from David's repentance in Psalm 143.

David's soul was troubled within him,

and his heart was dismayed because of his sins,

causing his enemies to persecute his soul (v. 3).

He felt distressed within himself (v. 4).

 

David found himself in deep despair,

losing hope and feeling as though he were like those long dead (v. 4).

In that moment, David sought the Lord, raising his hands in prayer (v. 6),

expressing his longing and supplication to God (v. 1).

 

How did David pray to God?

He remembered the days of old,

meditating on all the works of the Lord

and considering the deeds of the past (v. 5).

While meditating, David uttered a soft voice,

repeatedly recounting all the things the Lord had done in his life,

pleading with the Lord (v. 5).

 

Furthermore, because David trusted in the Lord,

he pleaded, "Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust.

Make me know the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul" (v. 8).

 

David desired to hear the words of the Lord's steadfast love every morning (v. 8).

He dedicated his soul to the Lord, entreating, "Show me the way I should go" (v. 8).

Seeking protection, David approached the Lord

and pleaded for deliverance from his enemies (v. 9).

He prayed for God to save him for the sake of His name

and to rescue him from distress through His righteousness (v. 11).

Remarkably, in the midst of his prayer, David confessed,

"You are my God" and pleaded, "Teach me to do your will" (v. 10).

He acknowledged God's Holy Spirit as the Good One

and implored, "Lead me on level ground" (v. 10).