"I said, 'LORD, be merciful to me.
Heal my soul, for I have sinned against you."
Psalm 41:4
It had bothered him for decades. His conscience was plagued with guilt and condemnation. A sin that he committed while in military service could not be put out of his memory. He had to do something. The tormenting thought just would not go away. Finally, he decided to meet with his pastor. For the first time, he talked about his wrongdoing and confessed his sin. The pastor assured him of God's mercy. He shared verses from the Bible showing how God forgives us when we confess our sins. He led the man in prayer to receive God's mercy. As the man was ready to leave the office, he said, "I have carried this guilt with me too long. I should have talked with you years ago."
The psalmist cried out for God to heal his soul. The soul is the inner-man, the mind, conscience, will, and emotions. This psalm is attributed to David, a man who confessed his sins to God. He received God's mercy. The mercy of God always brings healing of the soul. David had put off confessing his sins, but he too was plagued with guilt and condemnation. After honest confession to God, he knew the joy that comes from mercy. The LORD forgave his sin and released him from guilt.
Do you have any past sins that bother you and rob you of joy? God's mercy is the sure cure for all of us. His mercy is only a prayer away. As we admit our responsibility and confess our guilt, His mercy brings healing to the soul. There is no need to live with guilt and condemnation. There is mercy with God. All of our sin is ultimately rebellion against God. We all need His mercy. The LORD is ready to forgive your sin and heal your soul.
God, be merciful to me and heal my soul.
