Because of our folly and stubbornness, there are times in which the only way God can get us to look to Him is when we are lying flat on our back after being run over by the guilt and consequences of sin. It is not until we feel like we are drowning in an ocean of iniquity with an impossibly heavy burden lashed to our body, broken beyond repair, covered with wounds that are infected—foul and festering—that we realize we have only one hope.
As Psalm 38 attests, that was David’s experience. In his dark night of sin, there was only one star of hope. “For in You, O Lord, I hope; You will hear, O Lord my God” (v. 15). Buoyed by this lone refuge, David determined to confess penitently his transgression. “For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin” (v. 18). His fears were extreme and his foes were intense. “For I said, ‘Hear me, lest they rejoice over me, lest, when my foot slips, they exalt themselves against me.’ For I am ready to fall, and my sorrow is continually before me…But my enemies are vigorous, and they are strong; and those who hate me wrongfully have multiplied. Those also who render evil for good, they are my adversaries, because I follow what is good” (vv. 16-17, 19-20). Yet David’s God—Jehovah—was greater. His earnest plea—”Do not forsake me, O Lord; O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!” (vv. 21-22)—was heard.
Only Jehovah can handle the leviathan of sin.
He is the sinner’s only hope.
Whilst in sin, Christ died for us. What a hope and friend we have in Jesus!
Thanks John!