Psalm 41
Betrayed, Broken, but Blessed
“The merciful fall into the arms of mercy.” J.P. Lange
The best test of our walk with God is not how I am when I am succeeding, but how I respond when I am suffering.
David was going through a lot of stress.
· He was feeling guilt over his mistakes, he couldn’t chastise his sons for doing what he had done. His family suffered.
· He had lost his strength
Poor (dal) low, poor, weak, then one week is low) He was “letting go” the mighty warrior of God, sin had taken its toll on David.
But he turned and decided to “let go and let God”.
Vs. 1
(God speaking) Blessed is he who knows happiness, contentment and peace that can only come from God. Psalm 1:1; Matthew 5:7
As David defended the weak and the poor, so God defended him.
Reciprocity – Blessed are the …. For they shall receive…Mt. 5:7
Vs. 2-3
The Lord will
· Preserve him
· Keep him alive
· Bless him on the earth
· Protect him from his enemies
David has learned
· Gratitude to God
· Patience, knows God is with him
· Knows first hand God’s grace
Vs. 3
The Lord nurses us when we are sick. He eases our pain and discomfort. Often it is the hands of a friend that helps us but our Thank You’s are ultimately toward God.
Vs. 4
Prayer to God, for Mercy.
Only God can forgive our sin. David said, “I have sinned against You.”
David is sick and in bed unable to perform the duties of a King. He can’t get away from the memory of his sin, the shame of it and the effect it has on his family. David turns to God and asks for mercy.
Vs. 5-9
David’s discernment makes matters worse for him as he sees past the lies of “friends” and sees the truth. David knows the talk of the town. His is aware of their words.
Vs. 5 How soon will he die and then be forgotten!
Vs. 6 They come to see me and ACT like friends, then they leave and add fuel to the gossip.
Vs. 7 They whisper.
They think the worst.
Vs. 8 They say what I have is false, that I will never get out of bed.
How often this happens today. One of affluence is dying and those who have something to gain because of it, parade in acting the part of a loved one. Only to gain information David has heard the talk outside his door.
He says to himself in vs. 9, “Even my best friend, the one I trusted completely, the one who shared my food has turned against me.
We know that Joab, not only his friend but the head of David’s Army turned from David to Absalom.
Vs. 10
David looks up. He lets go and lets God. He who has been merciful falls into the arms of mercy, a time of renewal.
He is regaining his strength from God. Motivation is starting to flow. He has a cause. I want to get well so I can repay them, pay them back.
Vs. 11
David says to God, I know them, pay them back.
Vs. 11
David says to God, I know You are pleased with me because You have not let my enemy triumph over me.
Vs. 12
You, Oh God have preserved my life. I am innocent.
I remember now, You forgave my sin. Psalm 51
· You forgave my sin, removed the stain of guilt.
· You created a clean heart in me.
· You did not banish me from Your presence.
Have mercy on me once again!
David
· Still has enemies
· Still has troubles
But He has a Savior who takes away his sin, sets his feet upon a rock.
He knows he is loved by God!
Vs. 13
Doxology – (Servant speaking) Blessed be the Lord. We can’t add to God’s blessedness but we can Praise Him.
In a sick bed a man discovers not only his enemies and his friends but himself and his God more intimately.
And this is the end of the 1st book of Psalms, parallels Genesis.
These 41 Psalms relate chiefly to the ministry of Christ upon the earth. Preparing those who were looking to the consolation of Israel for His appearing amongst them.
The 2nd book starting at Psalm 42 parallels Exodus.
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