David's Plea

Frustrated, restless, and quite near panicked I opened my browser bible in hopes of finding comfort. What I found was much more than that. I found a kindred spirit, a partner in prayer, a Godly man who prayed the cry of my heart in words I would have chosen had I known them. I knew not where to look, but providence guided my mouse as I closed my eyes, rotated the scroll wheel, and clicked the mouse wherever it would land. In my desparate flailing God gave me Psalm 25 and David's plea.

Though I know I've heard verses from this Psalm before I cannot remember ever specifically reading it. In my time of despair it resonated in my inmost being. I read David's words and they sounded in my head like the prayer of a brother sitting in the chair next to me, holding my hands, and praying with me.

I am struck by David's humility. In times such as what I face (and what David was apparently facing) it is easy to climb up on one's high horse of self righteousness. It's tempting to scream for justice when what is really needed is mercy. This is what I found in the Psalm. Never does David beg for vindication; rather, he cries out for God's goodness instead of extolling his own. Indeed, he does not ask to stand on his own goodness but relies on God's greatness.

 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am alone and afflicted.
 The distresses of my heart increase;
bring me out of my sufferings.
 Consider my affliction and trouble,
and take away all my sins.

In these three verses I find my prayer, my heart's cry. I can particularly relate to the distresses of my heart increasing. The stress of my situation is such that I actually fear for my health. I finally understand that old King James turn of phrase "sorely oppressed." Apparently it's ok to feel this. David felt it. He (and I) is alone and afflicted. He (and I) has affliction and trouble. He (and I) feels the heavy weight of an anxious, distressed heart. He (and I) confesses it. He (and I) turns to the only source of comfort and the only manner of relief. Consider me, oh God, and take away all my sins.

In this Old Testement Psalm I find the good news of Christ. No man stands in his own righteousness before the Holy God. My only hope in this life, in the next, in the good and in the bad, is in the righteousness of God. And I pray this now, all day: "Guard me and deliver me; do not let me be put to shame, for I take refuge in You." Not because I am worthy, but because of your love, your mercy, your grace my great and good God.

David's plea is my plea.