Sin Has Drained My Strength

SIN HAS DRAINED MY STRENGTH

a prayer to open

In the midst of my pain, Lord, I cry out to you.

When darkness sets in and I can’t see the light,

lead me in the way of hope, and fill my heart with joy.

Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am in distress.

Tears blur my eyes.

My body and soul are withering away.

I am dying from grief;

my years are shortened by sadness.

Sin has drained my strength;

I am wasting away from within.

I am scorned by all my enemies

and despised by my neighbors—

even my friends are afraid to come near me.

When they see me on the street,

they run the other way.

I am ignored as if I were dead,

as if I were a broken pot.

I have heard the many rumors about me,

and I am surrounded by terror.

My enemies conspire against me,

plotting to take my life.

But I am trusting you, O LORD,

saying, “You are my God!”

My future is in your hands.

Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly.

Facing our own sinfulness can be one of the most painful experiences of our lives. Often we ignore or justify. Sometimes we repent and deal with our sin in a healthy way that acknowledges our wrongdoing and God’s grace. Other times—and it’s usually when we find ourselves sinning in the same way over and over—we are laid low. We see our sin and simply cannot seem to act differently. We see the consequences and cannot get ourselves to change. In these moments, we must remember what’s true: God is faithful to forgive.

• Review the first verses of today’s reading. Reflect on whether any sin—past or present—is affecting your strength and ability to fully embrace the life Christ offers. What do you need to confess? Over what sin do you need the assurance of forgiveness?
• Now review the next verses. What consequences of your own sin are you experiencing in your life right now?
• Finally, review the last verses. In what ways are you tempted to doubt God’s forgiveness and grace? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you grow in trusting God so you may turn to him with full confidence that your sin has been forgiven.

My life is in your hands, O Lord.

Rescue, forgive, and redeem me.

My trust is in you alone.