THURSDAY, AUGUST 9
Psalm 38:1-22
Matthew 5:11-12

Pass me not,
O Gentle Saviour!

“SAVIOUR, SAVIOUR, HEAR MY HUMBLE CRY”

Let this first line of the refrain to Fanny J. Crosby’s (1820-1915) “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour” serve for a more vivid title to Psalm 38. “Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry” surely reflects David’s aching heart.

This Psalm cannot be traced to any particular incident in David’s life. It could be an urgent appeal for relief from some serious sickness, which was at times regarded by David as a rebuke from God. Sickness, according to Romans 8:28, is for our good, to bring us round to Him when perhaps we are beginning to stray away. This Psalm is suggested by some commentator to have been composed for the edification of sick and slandered saints, without special reference to David himself.

David’s misery in sickness is aggravated by the turning away of his friends and relatives (Ps 38:11). His sickness further becomes an occasion for his enemies to do him harm. Alas for us when, in addition to griefs inside, we are assailed by maligners outside. In Psalm 41:5 David is more explicit, “Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish?” As to the “… lovers and … friends …” (Ps 38:11) that stand aloof from his sore, they come under the category of him whose words were “smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords” (Ps 55:21).

At such a time as this, “a sacred indifference to the slanders of malevolence is true courage and wise policy.” To be deaf and dumb in the face of an enemy’s verbal assaults is a testimony of moral strength. It is good even to be blind to their visible menace. “Who is blind, but my servant? or deaf, as my messenger that I sent? who is blind as he that is perfect, and blind as the LORD’S servant?” (Isa 42:19). So, when we are laid low, let us all the more look up to Him. Remember also: The just shall suffer persecutions, but “vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord” (Rom 12:19).

THOUGHT: “Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry! While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.” (Fanny J. Crosby)
PRAYER: May Thou turn every unjust accusation into a blessing.