I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Psalms 38-44.

Today’s first psalm, Psalm 38 is a counterpoint to the Book of Job.  Although it has much more to teach than just this, the primary point of Job is that not everyone who suffers does so because they had sinned.  Psalm 38 reminds us that when we suffer we should examine our life for sin which may have brought our suffering upon us.  The psalmist acknowledges his sin and begs God for forgiveness.  He makes no effort to defend himself against those who wish to use his sin and his suffering against him.  He relies upon God.  In this case, the psalmist’s opponents are attacking him for his sin for their own advantage, not in order to correct his behavior.  The psalmist chooses not to defend his actions from these attacks because he knows that he did wrong.  Nor does he try to convince these enemies of his contrition because he knows that they do not care if he sins or not, they merely wish to use his sin against him.  Instead, he humbly offers his confession to God and waits for God to act.

As I read Psalm 39 and 40 they seem to go together for me.  I don’t know if the message I see there is the one which the psalmist intended, but they speak to me.  Psalm 39 starts out with the psalmist vowing to avoid sin by keeping quiet.  This resonates with me.  I like to talk, I like to debate, but all too often I get caught up in the debate and say things I should not.  So, from time to time, after I have caught myself saying things which should not be said by anyone who believes in God, I vow to keep my silence the next time.  However, I find myself like the psalmist, in turmoil about the things I hear, on fire to use my gift of gab to give the Lord’s answer until I can keep silent no longer.  There, near the beginning of Psalm 39, is a hint at the answer to my dilemma.  Speak of the good things, and only of the good things.  Then Psalm 40 fleshes out that answer.  Wait patiently upon the Lord; take joy in doing His will.  Then He will give us a new song to sing, new words to speak. A song or words, or both, which will allow others to see what He has done and come to trust Him.  Psalm 40, as I read it, gives us the answer: do not be afraid to speak out about God’s justice, but do not go “off message”, do not allow what I say to be about me.  I am but a poor beggar with little to offer.  But I will praise God and do my best to show how He has the answer for those suffering and in need.

I know that to a degree I am reading from current events back into these psalms, but I am going to go where this lead anyway.  The psalmist knows why he is depressed, why he feels discouraged.  He remembers being among a crowd of worshipers praising God while they gathered to worship God.  He knows that he does not need to be discouraged.  All he needs to do is put his trust in God and worship Him again.  If he follows the guidance of God’s truth it will guide him to where he can worship God with others who love Him.  Then his joy will be renewed.  Worshiping and praising God with others who worship and praise God provides an antidote to discouragement and depression.  That antidote may take time, so we need to wait upon the Lord.  We will not overcome discouragement, depression, or whatever other obstacles we face by any human power, only by the power of God.  If you are suffering cry out to God and trust that He will answer.  If you feel that He does not hear you, if you need encouragement to put your faith in Him, reach out to me and I will strive to do what God enables me to do.  At the very least I will pray for you, but I will also seek God’s guidance to direct you to the appropriate counsel.