Health for the Soul

“The troubles of my heart are enlarged: O bring thou me out of my distresses. Look upon mine affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” (Ps 25:17-18 AV)

 

Little is said of the significant emotional and psychological effects of sin.  When teaching or preaching, we usually hone in on the physical consequences of disobedience.  But the consequences affect the whole person.  When we do mention the emotional consequences, we usually limit the damage to guilt or shame.  But our scars often go much deeper.  This sin could be our own, or we could be a victim of another’s.  Either way, there are consequences that go much deeper than the skin and often can be carried for a lifetime.  Note here the depth of the writer’s suffering.  There is a heart enlarged.  There is distress.  There is affliction and pain.  Whatever the direct cause of all of this, we do not know.  What we do know is sin is the cause rather than his own or someone else’s. 

Emotional and psychological damage is real.  These scars can run really deep.  Sometimes, these scars take much prayer and scripture to overcome.  These injuries do not come out quickly.  Even those self-inflicted can take much counsel, prayer, a biblical meditation for the saint to gain spiritual and mental health.  We naturally react to our environment.  If the causes of our injuries are repetitious, then it takes all the more time to heal.  However, what we do want to note is the writer is asking forgiveness for his own sin.  He knows he cannot do anything regarding the sins of others that have inflicted him.  What he can do is seek his own heart and life to see if some of the injuries were caused by his own choices.  This is what our writer is doing.  He knows that sin does not happen in a vacuum.  He knows his choices cause harm to his soul.  He knows if he wants peace of heart and soul, confession and forsaking are necessary.  But he also knows, given the request above, accepting forgiveness is key to that peace.

God has created us to be blessed and full of joy.  He did not create us to live in misery.  We have brought this upon ourselves.  All misery is caused directly or indirectly by mankind’s sin.  Apart from trials of faith, we are not intended to make ourselves miserable, negative experiences are a consequence of ignoring the word of God and doing life our own way.  We suffer because of it.  David understands this.  His desire for a healthy soul hinge upon keeping short accounts with his God.  The same is true for us.  The best way to contentment is to seek God’s grace and trust in it.  Then, we can yield to the healing ministry of the Holy Spirit.