You Can't Live This Way, God will not allow it.

O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your wrath, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure!

For Your arrows pierce me deeply,

And Your hand presses me down.

There is no soundness in my flesh Because of Your anger,

Nor any health in my bones

Because of my sin.

For my iniquities have gone over my head;

Like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

My wounds are foul and festering

Because of my foolishness.

I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long.

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.

-Psalm 38:1-8

Here David is perfectly describing how it feels to live with unmortified sin.  Do you feel the weight of the Almighty upon you? Is your heart in turmoil?  Is the dread of God's discipline ever before you? 

 

Don't attempt to appease or comfort your spirit in such an awful state.  We must look to scripture for guidance.  How does David deal with his guilt?

 

1) Psalm 38:9 "All my desire is before you"  David deals honestly with the Lord,  he understands that God knows his heart and nothing is hidden.

 

2) Psalm 38:13-14 David does not open his mouth or argue.  He gives no defense or excuses for his sin,  He does not try to hide it or save face in any way.  True humility is often ugly and pitiful.

 

3) Psalm 38:15 His hope is in the Lord.  He understands that without the Lord sin cannot be truly dealt with.

 

4) Psalm 38:17  He is ready to fall.  He is willing to accept any punishment for his sin.  He will do whatever it takes to rid himself of sin and restore the joy of his salvation.

 

5) Psalm 38:18 He confesses his iniquity.  Confession,  truly recognizing the state of your heart and laying it before the Lord is the first real step to dealing with sin.

 

6) Psalm 38: 21-22  He beseeches the Lord to come and help.  He is ready to listen to the Lord and do whatever is required.