Finding Yourself in the Psalms

Psalm 6

A Psalm for Times of Sickness TWO TYPES of SERIOUS ILLNESS- Chronic, Acute SETTING- Unspecified time of sickness in David’s Life

CAUSE- DAVID believed the cause was God’s discipline. 6:1

Possibly – after his sin with Bathsheba. Psa 32:3

Affliction is a tool the Lord uses to mold our lives. Psalm 119:67, 71

FALSE TEACHING TODAY – Every Christian should be free from sickness.

David’s sickness kept him from serving God. His TASK was to lead in battle. Because he was
sick, the enemies of Israel mocked God. David could not FIGHT because he was SICK.

Psalm 6:7-10

HOW DOES A CHRISTIAN RESPOND TO ILLNESS?

1. SEARCH our hearts.
a. God is not a RETRIBUTIVE God. (John 9:1)
b. God DOES use illness as discipline. 1 Cor 11:30
2. REMEMBER the source of sickness. Rom 5:12
3. PRAY.
a. Paul prayed. 2 Cor 12:8 ff b. David prayed. Psalm 6:4-5
i. Heal because of your unfailing love (6:4)
ii. Heal to bring glory to yourself (6:5)
4. GLORIFY GOD.
a. Through your testimony
b. By encouraging others who are sick
5. WAIT. This physical world is not forever! 2 Cor 4:16 “Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by

day.”

a. “wasting away” Greek diaphtheiro. Pres pass ind. Used in 1st cent = rust eating iron, moths eating clothing. Used in Ac 2:27 “nor will you let your holy One see decay.”
Illus – Herb Zalfass.
His physical suffering is ended.