Be Gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress;
my eye is wasted from grief;
my soul and my body also. – Psalm 31:9
In A Godly Man’s Picture, Thomas Watson explains that penitent sorrow is a sign of a godly person. A godly man weeps “for indwelling sin… that he is sometimes overcome by the prevalance of corruption… that he can be no more holy… [and] out of the sense of God’s love.” – p.56.
The sorrow of a godly man is not a despairing sorrow, but a sorrow of faith and hope. It is a deep sorrow that comes from the heart. It realizes that sin is primarily against God (Psalm 51:4). Watson points out; “Hypocrites weep for sin only as it brings affliction… [they] never send forth the streams of their tears except when God’s judgments are approaching.” – p.59.
We will reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7)… but, Oh!– that I would mourn now and not when I feel that consequences or judgment is imminent! May we be evangelical weepers, ever aware of God’s grace and love towards us.
For you did not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite hear, O God, you will not despise. – Psalm 51:16-17
Psalms 32:1-6
Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,”
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
