June 28, 2023

Pity Party Psalm #

Psalm 38:21-22

Introduction

Last week, we looked at a Psalm to help with Anxiety, this week, we are looking at a Psalm, that will help with the feeling of loneliness, neglect, or perhaps feeling forgotten. No doubt, we all have times when we feel neglected, or forgotten about. We wonder if anyone remembers us. God ultimately designed people for companionship… that is why God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him.” (Gen 2:18).

This could be titled the Pity Party Psalm. It is a Psalm in which the Psalmist commiserates within himself about his own circumstances and life. There are almost 60 references to self, and only 17 references to God!

I. A Pitiful Supplication (1-2) #

A. Slow to anger (1) #

Ps 145:8 - The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

B. Sting of punishment (2-3a) #

1. Feels unbearable #

Heb. 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

2. It is not God’s anger, but God’s justice #

II. A Pitiful Situation (3-20) A Pitiful Situation #

A. Sleepless (3b) #

B. Strain - Heavy Burden (4) #

C. Stench (5) #

D. Sadness (6) – Sadness that lasts all day! #

E. Sickness (7) “loathsome disease” #

F. Subdued (8) - Subdue – overcome #

1. Broken – no longer usable #

2. Broken hearted, without spirit to go forward #

G. Struggles (9) – There is a desire, but it has been defeated by sin. #

H. Short comings (10) “light of mine eyes, it also is gone” #

I. Solitude (11) Friends & family distanced #

J. Snares of the adversary (12) – snare – trap #

K. Suffering victim (13-14) – unaware, innocently #

L. Swamped feeling (17-18) – admittance of wrong, acceptance of responsibility #

M. Strength of the enemies (19) #

III. A Plea for Salvation (15-16, 21-22) #

A. Shout for help (15) #

1. Our confidence needs to be placed in God! #

Psa. 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

2. When your eyes are focused on self, and your problems… #

B. Shout to be heard (16) #

John 14:13 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.

C. Shout to at Hand (21) #

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

D. Shout to Hurry (22) #

Is. 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.