What does Psalm 6:1 mean?

Parts of this psalm suggest David was suffering from some literal disease or illness (Psalm 6:2, 4, 6). And yet, the first statements made are references to sin, repentance, and discipline. Nothing in the psalm explains why David believed the Lord was angry with him. Perhaps, he had committed a sin, either a behavioral sin or an attitudinal sin. He may have experienced a lapse of faith, fearing his enemies instead of God. Regardless, David wants a close relationship with the Lord, and so he pleads to avoid discipline.

David addresses the Lord as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. He knows the Lord is faithful and will not abandon His chosen people. He recognizes the fact that the Lord issues a warning before He chastens His children. Revelation 3:19 shows this sequence. In His address to the church at Laodicea, Jesus said, "Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent."