Psalm 6 - Peace In Anguish

Peace in Anguish

Psalm 6:3-4, “My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long? Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love.”

“Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9) We often wonder about the same thing. “Something bad happened to her. She must deserve it. If I just keep doing good, I’ll receive good in return.” If X happens, that means I have done Y to deserve it.

According to Psalm 6, that’s not how this world works. Terrible circumstances befall everyone, regardless of what they have or haven’t done. David cries out in anguish, “My soul is in deep anguish! How long, LORD, how long?” This world is a sinful, broken place. We are sinful, broken people. Sin has destroyed our relationship with God. Sin has marred this once perfect world. We all, collectively, are the problem. David cries out with anguish in Psalm 6 because he identifies with us sinful people. 

According to Psalm 6, we have hope. Because of his unfailing love, God sent Jesus, who died for our sin and physically rose to give us eternal life. Despite our sin, despite the anguish of this world, we have peace through Jesus Christ. Our sin is forgiven. Our hope is paradise.

Are you feeling distraught, anxious, or sad? Go read Psalm 6. Count how many times David talks about his emotions. Then count how many times he calls on the LORD.