Psalm 40:11–12: Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually preserve me. For innumerable evils have surrounded me; My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; Therefore my heart fails me.
Experiencing Jesus in the Psalms
The tone of the psalm changes dramatically here to one of urgent prayer. David began his supplication by petitioning the Lord to continue His mercy (lit., “compassion”), loyal love, and truth because of the many troubles and sins that surrounded him. The troubles he was experiencing were directly related to his many sins. 1
Living the Transformed Life
For my iniquities have gone over my head; Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. Psalm 38:4
- His tender mercies are for the broken hearted sinner. Are you broken hearted over your sin?
- His tender mercies are for those under spiritual attack. Are you in a spiritual battle?
- His tender mercies are for those who have failed. Are you needing Him to lead you in victory today?
When you are drowning in your sin and sorrows, the Lord will lift your head, so your eyes can behold your Redeemer.
Praise and Prayer
Thank You, Father, for Your undeserving lovingkindness to begin again and again. Dear Jesus, teach me to look to You and not to “them.”
1. Ross, A. P. (1985). Psalms. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 1, p. 824). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
