NIV Translation
My back is filled with searing pain; there is no health in my body.
I am feeble and utterly crushed; I groan in anguish of heart. Psalms 38:7-8
NKJ Translation
For my loins are full of inflammation, And there is no soundness in my flesh.
I am feeble and severely broken; I groan because of the turmoil of my heart. Psalms 38:7-8
I've included both translations because I really like what Spurgeon has to say, but he's referring to the NKJV and it makes more sense to have that translation.
He writes about David and Psalm 38, "A Psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. Remember, although this is a very sorrowful Psalm, it was written by a man of God. It will show you what a terrible thing sin must be, for even a child of God feels the smart of it very grievously. This is not the language of an unforgiven sinner — it is the cry of a saint who, for a while, has sinned and is feeling the bitterness of his transgression.
For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. I am feeble and sorely broken: I have roared by reason of the turmoil of my heart. That is an expressive word that David uses — "I have roared." He felt as if his prayers were more like the agonized cries of a wounded beast than the intelligent supplications of a human being — least of all, of a man of God. And sometimes, when the spirit is greatly bowed down, it cannot express itself in words, but has to be content with groans, cries, sobs and tears."
Have you ever felt so bad about your sin and failures that knowing what to say has been impossible? I know that I have found myself there many times. So, what do you do in times like that? David groaned, sobbed and pleaded with God. Besides feeling bad, I am generally quiet, cry, seek His words, but generally, I'm at a loss and just wait feeling like a failure. Thankfully, He still loves me and has already forgiven my transgressions!
Join me in reading Psalm 38 and be encouraged!
