April 11

“Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.”
(Psalm 25:18)

It is beneficial for us when our prayers regarding our sorrows are coupled with requests concerning our sins. When we are under God’s hand, it’s important that we are not solely focused on our pain, but also remember our offenses against Him.

Additionally, we should take both our sorrows and sins to the same place: to God. David brought both his sorrow and his confessions to God. We must also bring our sorrows to Him. Whether your sorrow is small or great, you can entrust it to God, for He knows every detail of your life; He holds the ocean in the palm of His hand.

Whatever trouble you’re facing right now, go to Him, and you will find Him both able and willing to relieve you. However, it is equally important to take our sins to God. We must bring them to the cross, so that the blood of Christ may cleanse them, removing their guilt and destroying their harmful power.

The main lesson from the text is that we are to approach the Lord with our sorrows and sins in the right spirit. Notice that David simply asks, “Look upon my affliction and my pain,” but his next request is much more direct and urgent: “Forgive all my sins.” Many people in suffering might first ask God to remove their afflictions and then mention their sins. But David does not do that. He essentially says, “Lord, I will not tell You what to do about my affliction and pain; I trust Your wisdom. While I would like my suffering to be removed, I leave that to You. But as for my sins, Lord, I know exactly what I need: I must have them forgiven. I cannot bear the weight of their curse for even a moment.”

A Christian understands that sorrow is lighter than sin; they can endure the continuation of their troubles, but they cannot bear the burden of their transgressions.