For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. (Psalm 38:18 NASB)

David, the young shepherd who became the King of Israel and a man after God’s own heart, found himself sick in his sin. He knew that his sin was against the God who made him. As he was living in sin he found no soundness in his flesh and no health in his bones. He was in over his head in sin and it was a burden too great to bear (v. 4). He admitted his folly. He was benumbed and badly crushed. He was sighing, crying, and in physical, mental, and spiritual pain.

David was under the conviction of sin. The Holy Spirit applied God’s word to him and it made him groan and sigh. His heart was agitated. What was he to do? Confess and repent!

For I confess my iniquity; I am full of anxiety because of my sin. He was filled with anxiety. Why? Because people did not like him? That is not why. Because of strained relationships at work and at home? That is not why. Because he felt like the world was a dangerous place? That is not why. These things were all true of King David. But his “anxiety attack” was over his sin. His sin against the God who looked upon him with steadfast love and faithfulness. The God who said, “You shall have no other gods before me.”

Can you relate to David? David realized his troubles were due to his own sin. He discerned that he was receiving the discipline of a loving Father. And so he confessed. He repented. And he ran to the very One he had offended: Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, do not be far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (vv. 21-22).

PRAYER: Dear LORD, Create in me a clean heart. Please renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence; take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.