Psalm 6 - A Prayer of Faith in Time of Distress

David was no stranger to distress. Trouble followed him around causing him grief. By his own admission the anguish was enough to make him weak. Sometimes, trouble came because of God’s wrath, and thus David begs for the return of the LORD’s favour. Oftentimes, we might travel through a similar path, but one of the things we can learn from David is his strong faith which leads him to an assurance of peace.

David’s Troubles

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O Lord—how long? Return, O Lord, deliver me! Oh, save me for Your mercies’ sake! For in death there is no remembrance of You; In the grave who will give You thanks? I am weary with my groaning; All night I make my bed swim; I drench my couch with my tears. My eye wastes away because of grief; It grows old because of all my enemies. Psalm 6:1-7

David’s troubles are threefold, as noted in the above lamentation. Troubles from the sickness of the body, troubles of the mind arising from the physical sickness and pain which he attributed to sin, and finally troubles from his enemies, or the people around him. Maybe some of these are relatable to us as well. Health issues, mental struggles, burnouts, unfriendly people, struggle to find happiness, bleak surroundings and the list goes on. It is easy to get lost in these, but let’s remind ourselves that this wouldn’t always be the case. Trials and tribulations are allowed in our lives so that we emerge stronger. Or perhaps it is allowed so that we are reminded of any possible wrongs which we can then rectify. Either way, these persist only for a short time, and soon it will pass away. Let this Psalm be a prayer of ours when we feel low.

David’s Confidence in the LORD

Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity; For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer. Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Psalm 6:8-10

Note the sudden change in tone here. David, doesn’t end the Psalm as a lament. He shows confidence that his prayer was heard by the LORD and his deliverance is near. Just like Hannah, he is filled with peace once he pours out all his anguish to the LORD. Likewise, whatever be the situation we are in, no matter how hard or desolate our situation feels, all we have to do is take it to the LORD in prayer, with faith and confidence in His deliverance. This simple act of faith, in the storm that is around us, will provide us peace and strength to carry through. The LORD is close to the broken heart, and he does not push away a broken and contrite spirit. The LORD will turn our sorrow into joy.

Therefore when we are distressed, following the example of David in this Psalm, let’s pour out our complaints before God, plead for His mercy, and earnestly seek the return of his favour. After which, let’s assure ourselves of an answer of peace by the will of the LORD, through Jesus Christ.