Psalm 38
Psalm 38 Meaning
Psalm 38 is a raw penitential prayer from someone crushed by illness, guilt, and the desertion of friends. David feels God's discipline and confesses that his iniquities have gone over his head like a heavy burden.
Even so, he does not turn away. He waits for the LORD and cries out for God not to forsake him but to make haste to help.
Key verses from Psalm 38
“For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me.”
Psalm 38:4
“Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee.”
Psalm 38:9
“For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.”
Psalm 38:15
“Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me.”
Psalm 38:21
How Psalm 38 points to Jesus
Jesus took upon Himself the crushing burden this psalm describes, bearing our iniquities though He had none of His own. Because He was forsaken, we can pray 'do not forsake me' with confidence.