Scripture

Turn, O Lord, deliver my life; save me for the sake of your steadfast love. (Psalm 6:4, ESV)

Thoughts

Early in this psalm, King David says, “I am languishing.… How long?” Let’s read the first three verses:

O Lord, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O Lord – how long? (Psalm 6:1–3, ESV) Often in life we feel like we are languishing. Our heart begins to say, “How long?” We have all been there, wanting to see God’s deliverance when nothing is happening.

King David asks God, “Turn, O Lord.” Turn toward me, Lord. We can feel like God has turned away from us. Maybe our friendships are in shambles, our church has fallen apart, or our boss just fired us. Whatever the situation, do not be afraid to tell God that it feels as if he has turned away. Ask him to turn toward you. The truth is that he is with you. But our flesh, our humanness, needs to be reminded of that at times.

God is the deliverer of your life. He turns and delivers your languishing heart. He saves you from your troubles, pouring out his grace on you. Even though your thoughts, emotions, and desires become troubled, God is with you. He saves you for the sake of his steadfast love. Think of that! The first time I read verse 4, I misread it. King David doesn’t ask for his own sake; he asks for the sake of God’s steadfast love. That’s unique and amazes me. God saves us because it is his very nature to save.

Application

This psalm is so real! King David is just like you and me. He knows that life isn’t a bed of roses; he understands how difficult situations can get and how painful relationships can be. At times we may feel that God has turned his back on us, so I’m encouraging you to ask him to turn toward you. And you can remind yourself that the Lord is “faithful to all who depend on him” (Psalm 9:10). He is delivering you. He is saving you. That’s faith— when you proclaim the opposite of what your natural mind is saying and listen to the Holy Spirit speaking truth to your inner being.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you that you are facing me, delivering me, and saving me. You are an amazing God. My soul feels like it is in despair, but your truth has become my comfort…. (Continue praying.)

P. Brian Noble