…kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.”

Numbers 11:15 ESV

Moses was lamenting that his life was hard and demanding. Death was not the better option. He does the right thing and prays, just asks wrongly. He does have God’s favor and receives grace to help.

Then we have Judas.

“…woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man if he had not been born.”

Mark 14:21 ESV

Judas had a reason to feel wretched. Death is the wage we’re paid for sin. Not having been born is the better option than sinning against a holy God.

Except…David sinned against a holy God.

Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified…in your judgment….wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness…

Psalm 51:4, 7-8 ESV

David sinned, but still found life. Through confession and mercy, he gets past wretchedness to joy and gladness.