Scripture Reading : Psalm 38
Theme : Prayer of Repentance
The first and the last two verses summarize the theme and wonder of this psalm. When the Lord is offended, and his anger (exploding rage) and wrath (flaming anger) loom (1) and his arrows begin to fly (2), it is to the same Lord that we appeal, for his presence, nearness (21), help and salvation (22). Only the Lord’s favour can deliver us from the Lord’s disfavour. If ever a psalm was designed to warn us off sin by exposing its consequences, this is it. Sin offends the Lord and burdens the sinner, replaces wellbeing by wounds, induces low-spiritedness, with pain of body and disquiet of heart (1–8). It saddens and devitalizes, isolates us from friends, and excites enmity (9–12); it leaves us without excuse (13, 14). But it does not close the door of prayer, nor exclude us from the place of repentance (15–18). [1]
Praying the Scripture
Sin may taste good at first, but in the end it will always leave a bad taste. May you understand the deceitfulness of sin and pursue the joy of righteousness. When you do sin, cry out to God who is there to not only rescue you but to transform you. Draw near to God, your savior.
[1] New Bible Commentary, 509.
经文：诗篇38
主题：悔改的祷告
第一与最后两节总结了这首诗篇的主题和奇妙。当人得罪了神，叫神的怒气和烈怒临到（1），又使祂的箭开始发射时（2），我们所呼求的也是这位神，求祂同在，求祂的亲近（21）、帮助和拯救（22）。唯有神的恩典能救我们脱离神的愤怒。倘若有一首诗篇是专门告诫人有关罪的后果，叫人不要犯罪，便是这首诗篇了。罪得罪神，也使罪人身负重担，叫健康化成伤口，心情沮丧，全身疼痛，人心不安（1-8）。它使人毫无精力，叫我们远离朋友，与人不和（9-12）；我们也没有借口也寻（13-14）。但它不能关闭祷告之门，也不能阻止我们进入悔改之地（15-18）。[1]
用经文祷告
罪的滋味起初不错，但最终一定变坏。愿你能明白罪的诡诈，并追求公义的喜悦。当你犯罪的时候，要呼求神，因为祂不但要救你，还要使你心意更新。要亲近神，你的救主。
[1] New Bible Commentary, 509.
