Psalm 38:16 “For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.”
In many ways king David and his life were prophetic types of the coming Messiah, our Lord. On the other hand, much of his life also typifies the lives of the Children of God. As a man, he was indeed a sinner; albeit a sinner saved by grace. He well knew that he was a sinner and his sins greatly grieved him. He was also a soldier and well acquainted with hand-to-hand combat; thus, he knew that a slipping foot or a misstep would give the enemy an advantage over him. He equates his sin to a slipping foot; for, his enemies were quick to take advantage of him when he slipped into sin. His enemies were not plagued by their own sins, but they knew that he was; for, he was ashamed and grieved by his sin, and they took full advantage of it. He was indeed weakened by his sin, for he declared, “I am ready to halt” (Psalm 38:17); that is, I am faltering and about to fall down before my enemy! However, David also knew were his help came from; for he prayed, “my sorrow is continually before me. 18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. … 21 Forsake me not, O LORD: O my God, be not far from me. 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation.” (Psalm 38:17-22). Our Lord heard and answered his pitiful plea! Still today, our enemies try to use our weaknesses and sins against us; but, our merciful and gracious Lord still answers the penitent cries of a heart broken by sin. Furthermore, because our Lord has fully and finally paid our sin-debt, we can “therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). — Thank You Lord for the sweet and pleasant “mercy” and “grace” and forgiveness we find before thy blessed and great “throne”!