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Day 277

Psalm 35:14b "I bowed down heavily, as one mourns for his mother..."

Day 277 – Psalm 35

“I bowed down heavily, as one mourns for his mother…” Psalm 35:14b

GENUINE SYMPATHY SHOWN

David recalled the times when he felt deep sympathy towards his erstwhile friends.

“But as for me, when they were sick,
My clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting;
And my prayer would return to my own heart.
I paced about as though he were my friend or brother;
I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother.”
Psalm 35:13-14

1. “But as for me”

a) This phrase was to offer a sharp contrast.
b) The difference between David and his erstwhile friends must be highlighted.

2. Series of activities in caring for the sick detailed

a) The donning of sackcloth was put on to express deep sorrow.
b) David humbled himself with fasting on behalf of his friends.
c) He would pray with deep feelings for the sick.
d) His prayers would keep returning to his heart:-
i) David kept thinking about the prayers he had offered.
ii) He wondered how he could pray better for the sick.
e) He would pace as one who was most anxious.
f) In his heart he cared for the sick:-
i) As a true friend would care for a close acquaintance.
ii) As a brother.
iii) As a son for his mother.
g) A heaviness of heart was felt as a genuine expression of compassion and affection