As an outpouring of anguish from the depths of his soul, David pens this Psalm. We understand he is sick and needs healing from God; yet in this difficult time he feels forsaken even by his close friends. It is at such a time he cries out to God for relief and restoration.

 

 As we meditate on the Psalm, we can see the Psalmist’s:

​

 

• Confidence in God (Psa 41:1-3)
  David is confident that since he has considered the poor, the Lord will preserve, bless, strengthen and deliver him at his time of distress. Prov.21;13 says, “Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.” 
  
  The Lord is the MAKER of both the poor and the rich alike. We see instructions in His Word on having regard for the poor; Jesus showed us by example by His being among all kinds of people.  Prov.19:17 NIV says: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
  
   

• Confession of his sin (Psa 41:4)
  David does not hide his sin but confesses it before God. David himself has written, “Because of your anger, my whole body is sick; my health is broken because of my sins.”(Ps.38:3) He knows that if he regards iniquity in his heart, the Lord will not hear him (Ps.66:18). We know from David’s life that he was quick to confess his sin to God, when convicted.
  
  When convicted of sin, one needs to confess and get himself right with God. Otherwise, it breaks our communication with Him- our prayers go unanswered. Jesus paid the full price of sin so that even the guilt of sin can be removed from us. “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” (Hebrews 9:14 NLT)
  
   

• Crushing in his spirit (Psa 41:5-9)
  Both his enemies and his friends have turned against David—his enemies would rather see him perish in his sickness and his close friend has turned against him. In speaking malignantly against him, he finds it even harder to bear his pain. “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.” (Prov.15:4 NIV)
  
  If we have been so crushed by the words of others, let’s take heart in the Lord who is a friend who sticks closer than a brother (Prov.18:24) There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus who knows our struggles and will never leave or forsake us (Hymn).
  
   

• Conviction of God’s help (Psa 41:10-13)
  David is so confident of God’s help that in his deep conviction he says: “By this I know that you delight in me: my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.” (Ps.41:11ESV) He has experienced God’s mercy in his life countless number of times and so is sure God’s merciful hand will raise him from his sick bed. Therefore he ends with a note of praise to God!
  
  We too can learn from David to look to the Lord in hope even in our deepest lows and the toughest struggles, knowing well that He will bring us through triumphantly. 

​

​

Friend, take your struggles to the Lord, roll your burdens on Him- your sin, sickness and troubles…let Him give you the wonderful exchange on the cross- forgiveness, healing and life!

Thought for the Day:

“Snuggle in God’s arms. When you are hurting,

when you feel lonely, left out. Let Him cradle you,

comfort you, reassure you of His all-sufficient power and love.”

~ Kay Arthur

 

Liseten- ‘There is not a friend like the lowly Jesus’