David is suffering the consequences of his sins. He mentions his sins four times. (7, 8, 11, 18) They are not mentioned in detail or specifics, only that they are great, and many and they came from his rebellious nature. The rebellious nature is in everyone.
Sins have consequences. God will forgive sins if I am not merely sorry for them, but also wanting to change my ways. Yet, even though my sins are forgiven and I change my ways. my sins still have consequences.
Sins bring shame. (2,3) They trap and hold a person down like a snare. (15) Sins bring loneliness, distress, and affliction. (16, 18) They trouble the heart. Left to fester sins grow, multiplying in number. (17) The sinner has to lie to cover up his guilt. More lies cover upon lies till they become unmanageable. Sins multiply enemies. (19)
David is seeking the Lord for forgiveness. He wants relief. He accepts that the Lord’s ways are good. He wants to change. He asks to be taught God’s ways. In fear, David turns to his Savior, “Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.” The prayer of the forlorn, the desperate, and the repentant.
Sin doesn’t have to be the end. No one forces me to stay on the path of sin except me. The misery caused by my sin is my fault alone. Sin leads to death. Yet, hope exists in God’s forgiveness. When I plee for mercy and forgiveness to God, he will hear and forgive. When forgiven I should not get mad at God when I deal with the consequences of my sin.
