Psalm 6: An individual lament, one of seven penitential psalms.

Biblical Reflections

Psalm 6 begins with a plea for mercy from some life-threatening situation, which comes from God’s displeasure for a particular sin of David. While not all life-threatening situations/illnesses are the result of sin, this one certainly was caused by sin, which David acknowledges. Notice that David pleads to God’s love and mercy. If this sin is not forgiven and if David dies, then he will be cut-off from God’s presence.

In contrast, since the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins, we who believe in faith will not be cut-off from God, even for subsequent sins. See Romans 8.

David acknowledges that his illness stems from his sins, and this causes the moaning, the cries, weariness, loss of sleep, grief, and sorrow over his sins. Stated differently, David weeps and cries because now he understands clearly that he is a sinner. He weeps for the sin not the suffering.

The Lord hears David’s prayer of confession for his sins, and God forgives David as evidence by God delivering David from this life-threatening situation.

When we confess our sins, we know that we acted wrongly and that perhaps someone else was hurt. But do we also realize that our relationship with God has been hurt, and that is why Jesus died on the cross?

Jesus, I am sorry that you suffered and died on the cross for this my sin.