Facing Hard Situations - Psalms 6-8

Psalms 6:1-3 (ESV)

TO THE CHOIRMASTER: WITH STRINGED INSTRUMENTS; ACCORDING TO THE SHEMINITH. A PSALM OF DAVID.

O LORD, rebuke me not in your anger,

nor discipline me in your wrath.

Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing;

heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled.

My soul also is greatly troubled.

But you, O LORD—how long?

The above lines from Psalm 6 are meant to be the beginning of a song that Israel would sing in worship.   Most of the time, when we are studying Scripture in general and the Psalms specifically, we want to know the historical setting the passage is talking about.  So in the above lines we would often ask, “When was this in David’s life?  What circumstances are happening to David as he pens these lines?”  These are correct questions to ask and are important concerns to better interpret the studied text.   However, one commentator makes a great point about this psalm and the psalms in general:

(Understanding the Bible Commentary Series) 

Psalms generally are written not out of the particular experiences of their composers but for the various experiences Yahweh’s worshipers may face. Therefore, we should ask not, “Out of what circumstances was this psalm written?” but rather, “For what kind of circumstances is it appropriate?”

There was undoubtedly something happening in David’s life when he authored these words.  We don’t know when and where or why, however.   We are not given enough details.  We can speculate, but that is not always healthy in the interpretation of Scripture.   The point made by this commentary is one to consider.   When David pours out his heart to God asking for grace and compassion, we all can relate to many circumstances we face where we might utter these same words.  A key truth to learn from this passage might be that in times of trouble, like David mentions, we do have a God we can turn to for mercy and grace in time of need:

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

We might add, as David did, But you, oh LORD, how long?   There is always the circumstances we face and the then, also, time we must face them.   The circumstance can carry a weight hard to bear.   The time we are in the circumstance, without knowing how long, can be a relentless burden.  Some suffering is but for moment.  Other suffering is forever.  When Paul wrote about his own suffering and the constant bearing under it, he wrote these words:

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (ESV)

For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,

Having an eternal view point always gives us a better approach to our afflictions.  But asking God for grace and knowing He will provide it NOW, is even better.   David cries out and expects God to hear him.