May 13, 2024

Cry me a river.

Psalm 6

Ross Ferrans
Monday's Devo

May 13, 2024

Monday's Devo

May 13, 2024

Monday's Devo

May 13, 2024

Monday's Devo

May 13, 2024

Big Book Idea

Thinking and feeling God's way.

Key Verse | Psalm 6:6

I am weary with my moaning;
every night I flood my bed with tears;
I drench my couch with my weeping.

Psalm 6

O LORD, Deliver My Life

To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments; according to The Sheminith. 1 6:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term A Psalm of David.

1  O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,
    nor discipline me in your wrath.
2  Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;
    heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.
3  My soul also is greatly troubled.
    But you, O LORD—how long?

4  Turn, O LORD, deliver my life;
    save me for the sake of your steadfast love.
5  For in death there is no remembrance of you;
    in Sheol who will give you praise?

6  I am weary with my moaning;
    every night I flood my bed with tears;
    I drench my couch with my weeping.
7  My eye wastes away because of grief;
    it grows weak because of all my foes.

8  Depart from me, all you workers of evil,
    for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping.
9  The LORD has heard my plea;
    the LORD accepts my prayer.
10  All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled;
    they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment.

Footnotes

[1] 6:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term
Table of Contents
Introduction to The Psalms

Introduction to The Psalms

Timeline

Author and Date

Individual psalms come from diverse periods of Israel’s history, but at every stage they served as the songbook of God’s people. David wrote about half of the Psalms. His role as king was more than that of a ruler. He was to represent and even embody the people, and their well-being was tied to his faithfulness. David, then, writes as a representative, and the readers must discern whether the emphasis of a psalm is more on his role as ruler or more on his role as ideal Israelite, in which he is an example for all. The historical occasions mentioned in the psalm titles help the reader see how faith applies to real-life situations.

Key Themes

The Psalter is fundamentally the hymnbook of God’s people. It takes the basic themes of OT theology and turns them into song:

  1. Monotheism. The one God, Maker and Ruler of all, will vindicate his goodness and justice in his own time. Everyone must know and love this God, whose purity, power, wisdom, faithfulness, and unceasing love are breathtakingly beautiful.
  2. Creation and fall. Though God made man with dignity and purpose, all people since the fall are beset with sins and weaknesses that only God’s grace can heal.
  3. Election and covenant. The one true God chose a people for himself and bound himself to them by his covenant. This covenant expressed God’s intention to save his people, and through them to bring light to the world.
  4. Covenant membership. In his covenant, God offers grace to his people: forgiveness of their sins, the shaping of their lives to reflect his own glory, and a part to play as light to the Gentiles. Each member of God’s people is responsible to believe God’s promises and to grow in obeying his commands. Those who do this enjoy the full benefits of God’s love and find delight in knowing him. The well-being of God’s people as a whole affects the well-being of each member. Each one shares the joys and sorrows of the others. When believers suffer, they should not seek revenge but should pray. They can be confident that God will make all things right in his own time.
  5. Eschatology. The story of God’s people is headed toward a glorious future, in which all kinds of people will come to know the Lord. The personal faithfulness of God’s people contributes to his ultimate purpose. The Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, will lead his people in the great task of bringing light to the Gentiles.

Types of Psalms

The Psalms can be identified according to some basic categories:

Laments, which lay a troubled situation before the Lord, asking him for help. There are community (Psalm 12) and individual (Psalm 13) laments. This category is the largest by far, including up to a third of all Psalms.

Hymns of praise, which call God’s people to admire his great attributes and deeds. Examples include Psalms 8; 93; and 145.

Hymns of thanksgiving. As with laments, there are community (Psalm 9) and individual (Psalm 30) thanksgiving psalms.

Hymns celebrating God’s law (Psalm 119).

Wisdom psalms (Psalms 1; 37), which reflect themes from the Wisdom Books (Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon).

Songs of confidence, which enable worshipers to deepen their trust in God amid difficult circumstances (Psalm 23).

Royal psalms, which present the Davidic monarchy as the vehicle of blessing for God’s people. Some of these are prayers (Psalm 20), some are thanksgivings (Psalm 21). All relate to the Messiah, the ultimate heir of David, either by setting a pattern (Psalms 20–21) or by portraying the king’s reign in such a way that only the Messiah can completely fulfill it (Psalms 2; 72), or by focusing on the future (Psalm 110).

Historical psalms, which take lessons from the history of God’s dealings with his people (Psalm 78).

Prophetic hymns, which echo the Prophets, calling people to covenant faithfulness (Psalm 81).

Structure

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
The Global Message of The Psalms

The Global Message of The Psalms

The Psalms are a resounding call for all God’s people and for all the world to sing! We are called to sing songs of confession and trust in God; to sing songs of thanksgiving and praise. The Psalms summon the global church to take up the cause of calling the world to join in such global and eternal songs of trust in, delight in, and worship of God for his magnificence—especially his magnificence displayed in his saving mercy.

Songs of Honest Lament

There is a surprising degree of honesty found in the prayers and songs of the Psalms. We find honest lament to God, with frequent repetition of questions such as “Why?” and “How long?” The psalmist asks in Psalm 42:9, “Why have you forgotten me?” Another psalm wonders, “Why, O LORD, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?” (10:1; see also 88:14). “How long, O LORD?” is a frequent cry to God in the Psalms (see 6:3; 13:1; 79:5; 89:46).

Such prayers flow from desperately challenging situations, in which life feels overwhelming. Yet they also reflect the confident expectations of our honest cries to our compassionate and faithful God. The Lord invites his people worldwide to be boldly transparent before him—no masks, no pretense—even when the heart is breaking. He promises never to abandon those who belong to him.

Songs of Repentance and Trust

Songs of repentance are scattered throughout the Psalms. In such songs there are confessions of corporate sin—“Both we and our fathers have sinned; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedness” (Ps. 106:6)—and individual songs of penitence (Psalms 6; 25; 32; 38; 51; 130; 143). These are not hopeless laments, but cries to a God who is a gracious deliverer (6:4), who deals with us according to his great love and mercy (51:1), and whose forgiveness flows from his goodness and not ours (130:3–4).

There is abundant reason to trust such a God for every good thing and in every situation (Psalm 23). To such a God we turn in times of great trouble, when we are at an utter loss in this fallen world. When enemies surround us and there is no one to help, God is our hope for deliverance (Psalm 22). Whether the desperate individual (Psalm 13) or the destitute community (Psalm 12) is in view, God is faithful to his promises. His steadfast love endures. He is worthy of our songs!

Songs of Thanksgiving and Praise

The Psalms are a divinely orchestrated hymnbook of thanksgiving and praise for God’s people. The covenant people of God return thanks to God for his wonderful deeds of deliverance, justice, and defense (Psalm 9), and for his favor and mercies (30:5, 7, 8, 10). All of this moves his people to burst into songs of joy and glad dancing (30:11–12).

In the Psalms, the people of God rejoice in all that God is and all that he has done. These songs of praise exalt God for his unsearchable greatness, his glorious splendor, and his awesome deeds (Ps. 145:3–6). He is worshiped as the King over all creation (93:1),the eternal King (10:16), the King of glory (24:8, 10), the King of all the earth (47:7), and the great King above all gods (95:3).

The Global Message of the Psalms

For all God’s people. The global message of the Psalms is that in light of God’s unfailing love and faithfulness there is a song to be sung by all God’s people everywhere—whatever their circumstances, whatever their emotions, whatever their adversity. The song to be sung will be of varied themes: lament, confession, repentance, thanksgiving, or praise to God. All of these, however, are songs of worship, expressing the universal experiences of God’s people. This is worship of God by the individual and the community, local and global, young and old (Ps. 148:12), now and forever (89:52). For a lost world filled with rebellion and sorrow, there is no greater remedy than a song that brings those who sing it to take refuge in God himself: a song for the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the sojourner, the widow, and the fatherless (146:7–9).

A new song. The message of the Psalms is a call to the whole world to “Sing a new song!” “Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!” (Ps. 96:1). This is not a song of empty promises, but a song full of hope, a song exulting in the salvation of a covenant keeping and merciful God; not a song that fades, but an enduring, eternal song; a song of a God who lifts us out of mud and mire (69:2, 14).

Celebrating salvation. The book of Psalms opens with a picture of the two ways of life—the blessed and fruitful life of the one who delights in God, and the fleeting life of the wicked who (apart from God) stand condemned (Psalm 1). The world is called to set aside folly and to join in the life and song of the Redeemer, celebrating the salvation that is rooted in the sacrifice of the Savior (Psalm 22). This new song has been sung down through the ages; it continues today throughout the world; and it will one day be sung in the very throne room of God (Rev. 14:3).

Summoning the Nations

To the ends of the earth. The global church has a message for the world: join in this song! It is a celebration that will generate further praise—globally, generationally, and eternally. The church is to “declare his glory among the nations!” (Ps. 96:3). From Israel to the Christian church today to the global kingdom that will one day be known to the very ends of the earth, the redeemed of the Lord will come from every nation, tribe, people, and language, giving God thanks and celebrating his grace (Rev. 7:9).

For all nations. There is a message for the nations: “Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples!” (Ps. 117:1). The Lord humbles the nations (9:5, 19, 20), but he extends to all an offer of mercy and grace. One day, the nations will become Christ’s inheritance (2:8). This song begins with us but it must not end with us. There is a glorious globalization of the worship of God that we are privileged to help advance. In Christ we have found fullness of joy and pleasures forevermore (16:11). In turn we call the nations as well to be glad and sing for joy in him (67:4).

Fulfilled in Jesus. The love and mercy of God that forms the heart of the Psalms explodes onto history with the coming of Christ. It is in and through him that believers worldwide see God’s covenant faithfulness right before their eyes.

Spreading God’s glory. That glorious, global worship of God through Jesus Christ is not yet fully known or complete. Generating it is therefore our glad mission while on this earth. We will not rest till God’s glorious name is blessed forever and the whole earth is filled with his glory (Ps. 72:19).

Psalms Fact #3: How are the Psalms divided?

Fact: How are the Psalms divided?

How are the Psalms divided? The Psalms are divided into five books: 1–41; 42–72; 73–89; 90–106; 107–150. Each book ends with a “doxology,” a hymn of praise to God.

Psalms Fact #4: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

Fact: What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God?

What was the main purpose of the Psalms for the people of God? The Psalms were the songbook of the people of God when they gathered for worship.

Psalms Fact #6: What is a psalm of lament?

Fact: What is a psalm of lament?

What is a psalm of lament? The main purpose of a psalm of lament is to tell the Lord about a difficult situation, to ask him for his help, and to praise him for helping. Some laments are community, congregational psalms. Others are individual, personal laments. One third of all the Psalms are psalms of lament.

Psalms Fact #7: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

Fact: How many of the Psalms were written by David?

How many of the Psalms were written by David? David is the author of about half of the Psalms. Other authors include Asaph, Solomon, Moses, and the sons of Korah.

Psalms Fact #9: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

Fact: What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel?

What defined someone as an “enemy” of the people of Israel? The “enemies” mentioned in the Psalms (e.g., 18:17) were people hostile to the faith of God’s people. Sometimes they expressed their hatred by physically attacking the people of Israel, while other times they merely rejoiced when Israel faced misfortunes.

Psalms Fact #10: Are the Psalms poetry?

Fact: Are the Psalms poetry?

Are the Psalms poetry? The Psalms often reflect the feelings or emotions of the person who wrote the psalm. The book of Psalms includes poetry that covers all kinds of emotional feelings and experiences, from anguish and sorrow to great joy and thanksgiving.

Psalms Fact #12: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

Fact: How often does the NT quote from the Psalms?

How often does the NT quote from the Psalms? Of all the OT books, the Psalms and Isaiah are by far the two most widely quoted in the NT.

Psalms Fact #13: Selah

Fact: Selah

What does Selah mean? Although the word Selah is found 39 times in the book of Psalms, its exact meaning is uncertain. Most scholars believe it is a musical term or a term to be used by a worship leader, possibly to mark a pause.

Psalms Fact #20: Snares

Fact: Snares

Snares (38:12) were traps used to catch birds and animals. Some snares used ropes or nets that would be triggered as soon as the bait was touched. Pits disguised with sticks and leaves were also used as snares. In the Psalms, snares serve as symbols of danger or death at the hands of the wicked.

Psalms Fact #27: A helpful guide

Fact: A helpful guide

A helpful guide. The writers of the Psalms understood the importance of constant communication with God. They knew that God would hear their prayers, and they trusted him to act on their behalf. Believers today can benefit greatly by patterning their prayers after specific psalms.

Psalms Fact #28: Memorizing the Psalms

Fact: Memorizing the Psalms

Memorizing the Psalms. The poetic style of the Psalms make them easy to memorize. Throughout the centuries, many believers have memorized all 150 Psalms.

Psalms Fact #40: How long?

Fact: How long?

How long? This question (79:5) occurs nearly twenty times in the Psalms, more than any other question. It is almost always associated with a psalm of lament, such as Psalm 79.

Structure of Psalms

Structure of Psalms

The standard Hebrew text divides the Psalms into five “books,” perhaps in imitation of the five books of the Pentateuch.

Book 1 Psalms 1–41 Psalms 1–2 provide an introduction to the Psalms as a whole. Except for Psalms 10 and 33, the remaining psalms of Book 1 are psalms of David. Most of them are prayers of distress. Others are statements of confidence in the God who alone can save (e.g., 9; 11; 16; 18), striking the note that concludes the book (40–41). Reflections on ethics and worship are found in Psalms 1; 14–15; 19; 24; and 26.
Book 2 Psalms 42–72 Book 2 introduces the first group of psalms by the “sons of Korah” (42; 44–49; 50). There are also more psalms of David (51–65; 68–69), including most of the “historical” psalms (51–52; 54; 56–57; 59–60; 63). Once again, lament and distress dominate these prayers, which now also include a communal voice (e.g., 44; compare 67; 68). The lone psalm attributed to Solomon concludes Book 2 with a look at God’s ideal for Israel’s kings—ultimately pointing to Christ as the final great King of God’s people.
Book 3 Psalms 73–89 The tone darkens further in Book 3. The opening Psalm 73 starkly questions the justice of God before seeing light in God’s presence. That light has almost escaped the psalmist in Psalm 88, the bleakest of all psalms. Book 2 ended with the high point of royal aspirations; Book 3 concludes in Psalm 89 with these expectations badly threatened. Sharp rays of hope occasionally pierce the darkness (e.g., 75; 85; 87). The brief third book contains most of the psalms of Asaph (73–83), as well as another set of Korah psalms (84–85; 87–88).
Book 4 Psalms 90–106 Psalm 90 opens the fourth book of the psalms. It may be seen as the first response to the problems raised by Book 3. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, reminds the worshiper that God was active on Israel’s behalf long before David. This theme is taken up in Psalms 103–106, which summarize God’s dealings with his people before any kings reigned. In between there is a group of psalms (93–100) characterized by the refrain “The LORD reigns.” This truth refutes the doubts of Psalm 89.
Book 5 Psalms 107–150 The structure of Book 5 reflects the closing petition of Book 4 in 106:47. It declares that God does answer prayer (107) and concludes with five Hallelujah psalms (146–150). In between there are several psalms affirming the validity of the promises to David (110; 132; 144), two collections of Davidic psalms (108–110; 138–145); the longest psalm, celebrating the value of God’s law (119); and 15 psalms of ascent for use by pilgrims to Jerusalem (120–134).
OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

OT Testimony that All Are under Sin (3:9)

Romans 3 OT Reference
Sinful Condition
v. 10, none is righteous Ps. 14:3/53:3; Eccles. 7:20
v. 11a, no one understands Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 11b, no one seeks for God Ps. 14:2/53:2
v. 12, all have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one Ps. 14:3/53:3
Sinful Speech (note progression from throat to tongue to lips)
v. 13a, b, their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive Ps. 5:10, Septuagint (English, 5:9)
v. 13c, the venom of asps is under their lips Ps. 140:3
v. 14, their mouth is full of curses and bitterness Ps. 10:7
Sinful Action
v. 15, their feet are swift to shed blood Prov. 1:16/Isa. 59:7
v. 16, in their paths are ruin and misery Isa. 59:7
v. 17, and the way of peace they have not known Isa. 59:8
Summary Statement
v. 18, there is no fear of God before their eyes Ps. 36:1
Study Notes

Ps. 6:4 for the sake of your steadfast love. Those who are repentant appeal to God’s love and mercy, and not to their own well-doing.

Study Notes

Ps. 6:1–5 These verses describe a life-threatening situation, such as a sickness. The situation has arisen from God’s displeasure at some particular sins. The psalm provides a way for people to properly express their concerns to God in such circumstances.

Ps. 6:5 If Sheol refers to the grave here, the idea is that the dead do not have the privilege of praising God in public worship.

Study Notes

Ps. 6:8 Depart from me, all you workers of evil seems to be spoken to those who would take advantage of the singer’s distress. But if the LORD has heard, then these enemies have no real power. See Luke 13:27.

Study Notes

Ps. 6:9 When the Lord hears the plea and prayer (vv. 1–5), he forgives.

Study Notes

Psalm Ps. 6. An individual lament from David. It describes a person whose hard circumstances have led him to see his sins and to repent. Thus, it is often considered one of the “penitential” Psalms (compare Psalms 32; 38; 51; 130; 143).

Ps. 6:10 There is a reversal here: the singer’s bones and soul were troubled (vv. 2–3), but now the enemies will be greatly troubled.

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Dive Deeper | Psalm 6

We all experience bad days, but what about when your life seems to be crashing down around you? A loved one is terminally ill; you're jobless, and the bills are piling up; a close friend or family member unexpectedly passes away. We live in a world that is not as it should be and is racked by sin (Romans 5:12). 

In Psalm 6, David shows us how, despite the grief and the sorrows of life, God is still there and hears our lamenting. On September 28, 2019, my wife and I experienced the worst day of our lives. The world seemed to come crashing down around us as our twins, Peter and Josephine, were born prematurely and passed away. The weeks and months that followed found me wrestling with anger, heartache, and the emptiness of losing our children. I felt intimately connected to Psalm 6:6 as each day and night was filled with tears and weariness.

David is calling out to God and expressing his deepest grief and sorrow. David really lays it all out there to God in Psalm 6:6, expressing both that he is at the end of himself and the heaviness he feels each day and night. Our God, however, is not a God that leaves us in our greatest need. There is no place we can go or be that is apart from Him (Romans 8:38-39). 

David proclaims: "The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer." (Psalm 6:9) Even in your darkest moments, know that God is acquainted with grief and sorrow as He felt them through the person of Jesus Christ (Isaiah 53:3). But Jesus doesn't just stop there. While He knows we will face trials and tribulations, He has overtaken them all through His life, death, burial, and resurrection (John 16:33). Know that whatever trial or storm you are currently walking through, God has not forgotten you. Know that God loves you and hears your prayers. But most importantly, He has already defeated sin once and for all.

This month's memory verse

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

– John 14:15

Discussion Questions

1. When life seems to get turned upside down by circumstances, how do you respond to God?

2. What does your response to God during trials say about your view of God?

3. Regarding his emotions, David is very raw and honest with God. Do you find yourself being honest with God regarding your emotions? If not, why?

4. What do you need to take to God today? What is weighing on your heart that you can turn over to Him?

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

MS

Michael Scaman

The weeping of Psalm 6 was heard on both sides of the English channel. Imagine a tired soul, seeking solace in the darkness of the night, tears silently tracing paths down weary cheeks. Each night feels like a marathon, where exhaustion weighs heavy and sleep eludes like a distant dream. It's a deeply personal struggle, an inner turmoil laid bare. Night after night they cry. In this lament, the heart cries out for mercy, finding solace in the presence of the divine. It's a plea that rests not on personal strength, but on the unfathomable glory of God, a recognition of human frailty in the face of something greater. Psalm 6, with its raw honesty and profound vulnerability, serves as a mirror reflecting the depths of the soul's anguish. It's a testament to the universality of human experience, a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. Centuries ago, in a world where access to sacred texts was limited, this lament broke barriers. It was among the first passages in the Psalms to be translated into the language of the common people. Its power transcended boundaries of class and education, resonating deeply with hearts hungry for understanding and solace. Two women made Psalm 6 one of the first Psalms to be translated into the language of the common people. The journey of this lament continued to unfold through the ages. In French poetry, it found a home in "The Mirror of My Soul," a work that captivated the hearts of Parisians. Authored by a woman of royal lineage, it bore witness to the universality of human emotion, touching hearts across social divides. "The Mirror of My Soul" was authored by Marguerite de Navarre, also known as Marguerite d'Angoulême. In French, the title is "Le Miroir de l'âme pécheresse" which translates to "The Mirror of the Sinful Soul." Marguerite de Navarre was a prominent French writer, known for her literary works and her influence on the Renaissance literature of France. Marguerite de Navarre was the sister of King Francis I of France, not King Louis. She was born Marguerite d'Angoulême, and she became Queen of Navarre through her marriage to King Henry II of Navarre. It took Paris by storm. Across the English Channel, a young teenager, took up the task of translation. She would later be crowned as Queen Elizabeth. She made the ancient words more accessible to the English speaking. Queen Elizabeth I was born on September 7, 1533. The translation of Psalm 6 likely occurred when she was around 13 years old, which would place it around the year 1546. God's word spread in unusual ways.
GJ

greg jones

Good morning Ross. I really liked this in your bio. “I finally trusted Christ with my life when I was 19. I have been imperfect ever since. Thankfully, I know and trust a perfect God!” One of the greatest things about the Psalms is that we can read and apply them to so many unique circumstances in our lives today. Just as you have done so well this morning. Psalms can be a great comfort when we’re just needing some comfort. And they can be a great challenge when we’re just needing a challenge. Looking at this Psalm at a challenging time in the life of David as king of Israel. Depart from me, all you workers of evil, for the LORD has heard the sound of my weeping. The LORD has heard my plea; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies shall be ashamed and greatly troubled; they shall turn back and be put to shame in a moment. Psalm 6:8-10 Joab was told, “The king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” And for the whole army the victory that day was turned into mourning, because on that day the troops heard it said, “The king is grieving for his son.” The men stole into the city that day as men steal in who are ashamed when they flee from battle. The king covered his face and cried aloud, “O my son Absalom! O Absalom, my son, my son!” Then Joab went into the house to the king and said, “Today you have humiliated all your men, who have just saved your life and the lives of your sons and daughters and the lives of your wives and concubines. You love those who hate you and hate those who love you. You have made it clear today that the commanders and their men mean nothing to you. I see that you would be pleased if Absalom were alive today and all of us were dead. Now go out and encourage your men. I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out, not a man will be left with you by nightfall. This will be worse for you than all the calamities that have come on you from your youth till now.” So the king got up and took his seat in the gateway. When the men were told, “The king is sitting in the gateway,” they all came before him. 2 Samuel 19:1-8 In this sense, reading these scriptures as related, we can begin to see what it would have been like for people to believe, the LORD’s king is my lord and my shepherd. We can see the limits of that lord and shepherd in an extremely relatable way. We hear the king’s prayer-Psalm 6:8-10 We see God at work-2 Samuel 19:8 In 2 Samuel God is not really doing what we’re expecting for David when we read Psalm 6. But he’s kinda doing a bigger thing than David is praying. As a result, in a good way, a lesser view of the king is shaped. A greater view of the LORD is shaped by tying the two scriptures together.
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thank you, Ross. My husband Ray and I understand your pain as the parents of a baby girl born too prematurely to survive beyond 9 days. I'm so sorry. What a gift each psalm of lament is to us, putting into words--from the eternal Word of God--painful feelings of sorrow and loss and suffering. David's hyperbolic expression of his suffering enables us to embrace words to wrap around OUR pain. What a gift! I also appreciate Warren Wiersbe's commentary on this psalm: "“From my own experience and pastoral ministry, I’ve learned that sickness and pain either make us better or bitter, and the difference is faith.”
KH

Kathy Hempel Cox

I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Thank you for sharing from your heart God's faithfulness to be with us even in the darkest trials.
MA

Maryann Adams

Thank you, Ross for this devo. I am so very sorry for your loss. The gospel must surely be advancing because of this intense suffering and your faith that has resulted. I'm glad you highlighted verse 9. It led me to think about the power we have access to through knowing: "the LORD has heard...the LORD accepts...".
AL

Amy Lowther

1. I trust Him to help me work on things and to help me make things right side up. 2. I believe in God, and I believe in what He values. 3. Yes, because good results will occur. 4. Everything. Everything. Ross - Thank you for sharing your ideas. You make an excellent point in saying, “whatever trial or storm you are currently walking through, God has not forgotten you. God loves you and hears your prayers”. God loves each of us unconditionally and will help each of us when we ask Him.
PC

Peyton Carver

When my life seems to turn upside down by whatever circumstances I am dealing with, most of the time at least, I would say that I turn to him immediately. Would that be true of me all the time? No. I am human and often rely on myself too, but having enough discipline to turn towards God can go a long way. I believe that my response to God during these trials I face in my life reveal how much faith I truly have in that moment. I am very honest with God. Sometimes I will catch myself beating around the bush with him when I am praying, and I have to literally tell him he already knows everything about me, so I’ll stop faking it with him. Today, I need to talk to him about community. Being new to the area definitely is a difficult thing at first as it can be hard to find community however I need to bring it to God and ask him not only for solid Biblical community but for patience as well as I will not be able to join a small group at Watermark until after I go through the membership class in July