Chapter Summary

David in weakness seeks God's help.

Discussion Questions for Psalms, Chapter 6

1. In many places in the Bible, "rebuke" and "discipline" from the Lord are considered good things which lead to righteousness, such as in Hebrews 12:3-11. (ESV) Why do you think David prays here to not be disciplined? What makes his plea here different from other times when rebuke is welcomed?
2. Should David's cries for help in times of inner turmoil encourage believers to do the same? Why or why not?
3. From this psalm, it is clear David believes that nothing happens outside of the sovereignty of God. If this is true, and yet there is suffering in this world, what does this say about the character of God? Does this mean he loves us any less? Why or why not?
4. In verse 4, for whose sake is David asking to be saved? Why is this significant? How does this influence the way we pray?
5. Read verses 4-5. What do these verses imply is our purpose in life? What did God create us to do? How does this compare to what the world says our purpose in life is?
6. David's actions in verses 6-7 are those of true grief and physical suffering. Do you think he is disobeying God when he "floods his bed with tears" and "drenches his couch with his weeping"? (ESV) Why or why not?
7. Where in this psalm is there a sudden mood shift? Locate the verse and read to the end. What is David's attitude towards his enemies? Why is this attitude possible?
8. What comfort does it bring to believers to know that the Lord "hears the sound of our weeping"? (ESV) What other emotions come to mind when you think of this?
9. David has confidence that the Lord will "put to shame" his enemies because he knows the character of God. How does one come to know the character of God? Are you doing these things in your own life? Why or why not?
10. How might a believer take a psalm filled with pain such as this one and use it to encourage a fellow suffering Christian?

Key Words/Phrase

Sore vexed, v. 3.

Characters

God, David.

Strong Verse(s)

9