AfterThoughts: July 19, 2026

July 19 2026
Rest For The Regretful Heart
Psalm 6

This week, Dr. David Eldridge continued the series in the book of Psalms, teaching from Psalm 6. In these verses, he expanded on two points:

Ask The Holy Spirit To Examine Your Heart
Confess Your Sin Before God And Receive His Pardon

GOING DEEPER:

Psalm 6 is in a group of several Psalms known as the “Penitential Psalms.” They are not arranged together in sequence, and the best known among them is Psalm 51. While there is not a similar historical setting, these Psalms have a similar theme. Pastor David explained that when you read the word “penitential,” you should think of the word “penitence.” These Psalms are about repentance and godly sorrow. The picture in these Psalms is that of the Holy Spirit convicting us of our sin and leading us back to the arms of Jesus. As you read Psalm 6 for the first time, what do you notice? On your second reading, what insights or truths does the Holy Spirit bring to your heart and mind?
Pastor David pointed out that while we don’t know what is exactly behind David’s anguish (perhaps his foes or Absalom), King David, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, left the details broad enough that every repentant believer can follow his steps. We can’t ignore the sin that so easily entangles each of us. David understood that his greatest problem was not to be rescued from his earthly foes but to be restored to his relationship with the Lord. While there isn’t always a one-to-one correlation between our sin and our emotional state or physical health (Job 1:8; John 9), persistent sin of which we refuse to repent makes our souls weary and disrupts our intimacy with God. What sin or sinful habit is clouding your communion with the Lord? What sin or sinful habit is dulling the joy you have in the Lord? How are you squandering your intimacy with the Father?
David didn’t run from God or hide from Him (like Adam and Eve) but turned his face to Him in petition, asking for restoration. Pastor David emphasized that one way we embrace this same practice in our lives is to regularly ask the Holy Spirit to examine our hearts (Psalm 139:23–24). Often, we can become comfortable with the sin that seeps into our souls. Is there a relationship that you need to reconcile? Is there bitterness you are justifying? Is there pride you are protecting? Is there a habit that you have become dependent upon and therefore has become a bondage? Is there impurity in your life that you have become far too comfortable with?
Pastor David taught that we also need to practice confessing our sins before God and receiving His pardon (Psalm 6:9; 1 John 1:9). God never turns away a repentant sinner. When we confess our sin, we are agreeing with God about it. Practicing confession daily helps us turn from our sin and turn toward Jesus, who loves us even when we sin against Him. How can you change your schedule this week to make more time for confession and repentance? How can you practice coming boldly to Jesus because of His mercy, which is greater than any of your failures?

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

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The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24–26

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