Some psalms are pleasant, hope-filled, and comforting to read.
The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.
Plenty of other psalms are transparently, even brutally honest about unpleasant, disturbing, uncomfortable issues of life. As complex creatures living in a broken world, we need both. Psalm 38 shows us how an honest and good heart talks about sin. Our own sin. It’s a psalm of David, a man after God’s own heart (1 Sam 13:14) whose heart wasn’t always right with God. David needed a Savior, like all of us. So how did he talk when he knew he needed to repent and seek the forgiveness of his Creator?
There is no soundness in my flesh
because of your indignation;
there is no health in my bones
because of my sin.
For my iniquities have gone over my head;
like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.
My wounds stink and fester
because of my foolishness. (38:3-5)
I am feeble and crushed;
I groan because of the tumult of my heart. (38:8)
For I am ready to fall,
and my pain is ever before me.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin. (38:17-18)
How does an honest and good heart talk about sin? “My sin.” No one else to blame. “My iniquities.” Those were my choices. “My foolishness.” No excuses. “My wounds.” The consequences of my decisions. “My pain.” I’m responsible. I’m accountable. I’m not immune, nor am I exempt. When an honest and good heart has been cut to the quick by the sword of truth, this is what it says.
I confess my iniquity;
I am sorry for my sin.
As painful as that is to feel and say, reconciliation and healing are a very real possibility. Both Old and New Testaments testify to this truth. But Step 1 is always honesty. Not hiding. Not an excuse. Not a rationalization. Not my turn at the blame game. Not denying. Step 1 is humble honesty.
When David was honest with himself and God, this is what he could pray:
Do not forsake me, O LORD!
O my God, be not far from me!
Make haste to help me,
O Lord, my salvation!
The God to whom he prayed is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, able even today to save any broken person who will bring the sacrifices of a broken spirit and an honest heart to him for healing.