The Penitent

Psa 38:17 — Psa 38:18 (KJV)

For I am ready to halt,
and my sorrow is continually before me.
For I will declare mine iniquity;
I will be sorry for my sin.

Psalm 38 is a powerful Psalm in times of our weaknesses.
Sin is a reality, even for the child of God (1Jo 1:8,9). The question then is how should we respond when we sin?

First and foremost is the acknowledgement of the transgression. The bulk of the Psalm is the psalmist pouring out his soul before God lamenting his actions, not sorry because he was "caught" but a godly sorrow that he has let God down (v. 1,2). Every time we sin, we offend God. It does not matter if someone else was affected or not, or that we get away or get caught.
"ready to halt" or "ready to fall" alludes to the awareness and therefore preparedness for the crisis, the keen sobriety to our own weaknesses and possibility of falling. Not that sin is inevitable but as Paul wrote, in 1Co 10:12, to "take heed" and not be over confident and cocky, which often results in the exact opposite of what we are sure of (pro 16:18)

Secondly, block out the negativity but at the same time, give no excuses (v. 13,14). Not to say that we pat ourselves on our back and say "it's OK". We are already past that from point 1. What is meant here is not being affected by those who are merely cashing in on the chance to gloat and even gossip about the situation. Oftentimes, it is such talebearing that wears people down even till the point where one never makes a comeback (c.f. 2Co 2:6.7) What then? Just walk away. No need take heed, no need to respond. Which leads us to the third point.

Focus on making right/doing right in the sight of God (v. 20). That is true repentance from godly sorrow that worketh salvation (2Co 7:10). God is ever ready to help and forgive His penitent children (v. 21, 22)! Don't wallow in self-pity. But instead, be resolved to work even more fervently for the Lord. This will in turn make us stronger to fight off temptation.

Finally, as fellow brethren, far be it for us to merely shake our heads and click our tongues, but try our best to help the erring come to repentance and after that render our full support to bring the fallen back to their feet (Gal 6:1; 2Co 2:7-10).

Let us all love one another, with the love of God that we may all one day be received up in heaven in glory.