Not Too Proud to Beg

Navy SEALs undergo a rigorous physical and mental trial appropriately named “Hell Week.” The new recruits are constantly in motion. They run, swim, do sit-ups and push-ups, endure cold water, and accomplish difficult tasks, all on minimal sleep! Some can endure this experience only because they know the end is in sight.

David is at his breaking point in this psalm. He does not see an end in sight. “How long, Lord, how long?” he asks (v. 3). He seems to have been suffering a sickness of some sort. He laments that he is “faint” and that his “bones are in agony” (v. 2). He understands this affliction is the result of God’s punishment for his sin. He begged God not to discipline or rebuke him in His anger, not because he is innocent, but out of mercy (v. 2).

David gives two reasons for God to have compassion. He asks, “Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?” (v. 5). He reasons that God should spare his life so he can praise God. This may seem like an odd reason. However, it reveals a deep theological truth. For David, life consisted of praising the Lord. Not to praise God is in a sense not to be fully alive. David asks God to restore his health so he could return to this important calling.

Second, David paints a vivid picture of his suffering in order to arouse God’s compassion. “All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears” (v. 6). David believes that God cares about his suffering. He ends his lament with a note of faith: “The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer” (v. 9).

Go Deeper

Do you relate to David, feeling worn out by your sorrow? How does this psalm help you express your pain and plea to God?

Pray with Us

Lord, like the psalmist, we are worn out. Our bed is flooded with tears. When we are at our breaking point, consumed by worry, turn our hearts and minds to You. Give us Your peace that passes all understanding (Phil. 4:7). You are our refuge and strength (Ps. 46:1). Amen.