Self-Indulgent Nature
Have you ever sat before the Lord and thought about how your sin grieves God? In Psalm 38, David demonstrated his understanding of how much his sin grieved the Lord. He petitioned the Lord to take compassion for his “pitiful state” caused by his sins. Read David’s plea and introspect. How different would our world be if believers in Christ viewed their SELF-INDULGENT NATURE as a significant offense separating us from an intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father instead of just a minor imperfection? The Lord is continually calling us to a higher spiritual standard. I challenge you to live higher.
Psalm 38:1-11(AMPC)
O Lord, rebuke me not in Your wrath, neither chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 For Your arrows have sunk into me and stick fast, and Your hand has come down upon me and pressed me sorely. 3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of Your indignation; neither is there any health or rest in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head [like waves of a flood]; as a heavy burden they weigh too much for me. 5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt because of my foolishness. 6 I am bent and bowed down greatly; I go about mourning all the day long. 7 For my loins are filled with burning; and there is no soundness in my flesh.
8 I am faint and sorely bruised [deadly cold and quite worn out]; I groan by reason of the disquiet and moaning of my heart. 9 Lord, all my desire is before You; and my sighing is not hidden from You. 10 My heart throbs, my strength fails me; as for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague; and my neighbors and my near ones stand afar off.
THROUGH GOD'S GRACE.
DR. MALLORY GARY