What does Psalm 38:19 mean?
David describes his foes as lively, powerful, and numerous. David's condition was altogether different from that of his enemies. Thanks to his sin, and God's convicting discipline, David was extremely weak (Psalm 38:8). He felt shunned by even his friends and relatives (Psalm 38:11). However, he patiently submitted himself to God and anticipated an answer (Psalm 38:15).While David admits that he has sinned (Psalm 38:18), at least some of the attacks from his enemies are unfair and unreasonable. Those who sought David's ruin, even before his sin (Psalm 35:19), would not be likely to reserve their attacks to something sensible.
A believer may feel greatly outnumbered by worldly attackers. Yet, with God on our side, "we are more than conquerors" (Romans 8:37). As Paul points out in Romans 8:31: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" Jesus offered inspiring words to His disciples in John 16:33. He said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." One of those disciples was John, who writes in 1 John 4:4 that believers are overcomers because "he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."
