AGONY-Psalm 6

Old Testament, Psalms, Sermons

Everybody Hurts (Psalms 6) - MCS Bible BlogAGONY. ANGUISH: “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony [terrified /horrified /stricken /vexed]. My soul is in deep anguish [exceedingly terrified /greatly horrified /hard stricken /I am sick at heart]. How long, Lord, how long?” (Ps 6:2-3)

Psalm 6 is a model prayer for those who are suffering. It is a lament that calls on God to help in the midst of trouble. Such a prayer of lament and plea for mercy (Ps 6:1-3) is a prayer for deliverance in a time of distress (Ps 6:1-3, 6-7). It expresses David’s profound sorrow (Ps 6:6-7) and his confidence in God’s compassion (Ps 6:4-5, 8-10). The psalm captures the reality of personal anguish, yet points to a hope in God’s unwavering presence and eventual deliverance. [Psalm 6 has entered the Jewish liturgy as the daily prayer for supplication every weekday morning.] (Prayers and Tears. A Prayer in Deep Anguish. Waiting is Hard. Deep Danger, Great Deliverance. Deliverance from Desperation. The way prayer makes a difference. Do not discipline me. O Lord, deliver my life! A confident answer to an agonized plea.)

Questions:

  1. Have you been rebuked and disciplined by God (Ps 6:1; 38:1)? How?
    • Do you feel God’s rebuke and discipline in a particular area of your life? Did or do you deserve it?
    • Was it for any besetting sin (Ps 51:3-4; Num 32:23; 1 Th 5:9; Rom 8:1)? If so, do you hesitate to go to Him because you know or feel that it’s your fault and therefore you deserve it?
    • Does the sin itself feel worse, or the consequences and result of sin feel worse?
    • Was the psalmist asking God to not be rebuked and disciplined?
    • Why does God rebuke and discipline you (Rev 3:19)?
    • What benefit do you receive from God’s rebuke and discipline (Heb 12:5-6, 7, 10, 11)?
  2. How did God’s rebuke and discipline affect him (Ps 6:2-3, 6-7; 38:2-4)? How miserable was he?
    • Is being “faint” and bones being “in agony” symbolic, literal or metaphorical (Ps 6:2b)?
    • What does “how long” tell you about his suffering (Ps 6:3; 13:1-2)? Was he complaining? Being honest? Both?
    • Are you truly honest with God and with others about your struggles? Does it comfort and strengthen you?
    • Who else contributed to his trials and troubles (Ps 6:7b, 8a, 10; 3:1)?
    • Have you ever cried out to God with such a desperate agonizing prayer?
    • How do you respond when your physical and emotional strength weakens?
  3. What was the basis for his prayer to God (Ps 6:2a, 4)?
    • Did David feel distant from God (Ps 6:4a)?
    • What is “unfailing love” [hesed] (Ps 6:4b)?
    • When you’re suffering do you feel that God doesn’t love you [or may be even disgusted with you]?
    • Why should God answer David’s prayer (Ps 6:5)? Did he believe in eternal consciousness or eternal life [Ps 16:10-11; 17:15; 49:15; 73:23; 2 Tim 1:10]?
    • Has God shown you steadfast love? How? Does such assurance comfort you in times of anguish and agony?
  4. How many times did David express his confidence that God hears him (Ps 6:8b-9)?
    • How confident are you that God hears you (Ps 6:8-10)? How can you be sure (Ps 6:4)?
    • In times of seemingly unanswered prayer, do you still trust God’s timing and faithfulness?
    • Does David’s confidence [in spite of his sin] inspire you to draw closer to God?
    • Do your feelings sabotage your faith and confidence in God? How do you overcome your feelings that may deceive you (Jer 17:9; 2 Cor 5:7; Rom 1:17)?
  5. How might Psalm 6 point to Jesus?
    1. Ps 6:3; Mt 26:38.
    2. Ps 6:6-7; 22:1; Mt 27:46; Mk 15:34.
    3. Ps 6:8-9; Lk 22:43.

Psalm 6 encourages believers to be honest with God about their struggles, expressing sorrow while anchoring themselves in God’s love and faithfulness. In times of suffering or discouragement, this psalm reminds us to seek God’s mercy, remain hopeful, and trust in His timing for deliverance.

Psalm 6 is a prayer for mercy and healing from God. The overarching theme of Psalms 6 is the plea for God’s mercy and healing. The psalmist is in a state of distress, weakness, and physical affliction, and he cries out to the Lord for help. This verse reflects the universal human experience of suffering and the natural desire for relief and restoration. It also underscores the belief in God’s ability to provide healing and comfort in times of need.

The context of Psalm 6 is important for understanding the depth of the psalmist’s plea. As the heading of the psalm suggests, it is a Psalm of David, and it was likely written during a time of great distress or personal turmoil. This understanding adds depth to the raw emotion and urgency of the psalmist’s words. David is not speaking in abstract terms, but rather from a place of genuine need and desperation. This context makes the plea for mercy and healing in Psalms 6:2 all the more poignant and relatable.

Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.

If you won’t go with me to heaven, I won’t go with you to hell.

Outline [A confident answer to an agonized plea]:

  1. Plea for Mercy (Ps 6:1-3). Prayer for God’s favor. Expressing need for God’s compassion, asking that God does not rebuke him in anger but instead be merciful.
  2. Prayer for Deliverance (Ps 6:4-5). Prayer for God’s love. Urgently for God’s rescue, appealing to God’s steadfast love.
  3. Description of Suffering (Ps 6:6-7). Need of God’s love. Intense suffering, sorrow, and physical weakness.
  4. Confession of Faith and Assurance (Ps 6:8-10). Prayer for God’s favor. Confidence of God’s response. Declares trust in God’s acceptance of his prayer and confidence in God’s justice over his enemies, despite sorrow, agony and anguish.

Do you feel that God is expressing his anger and wrath toward you because of any beseting sin? If so what should you do? If not can you abuse God’s acceptance (Rom 2:4)?

What is David’s attitude towards God in his time of suffering (Ps 6:1-3)?

How do you approach God in times of hardship or correction? Do you respond with humility and repentance?

How does David express his need for God’s mercy and healing (Ps 6:2-3)? In what ways can you openly admit your need for God’s mercy and healing in your life? Is there an area where you can let go of self-reliance and lean more on God’s grace?

Why does David appeal to God’s steadfast love as the reason for his deliverance.

What impact does suffering have on David’s spirit and body (Ps 6:6-7)?

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