READING: Psalms 128-130, 132, 134-135
Psalm 130 has become one of my favorite passages. We don’t know for certain what the psalmist was facing, but it seems he was dealing with the reality of his own sin. Whatever he was facing was overwhelming to him, like the chaos of a tumultuous sea overtaking him. Out of the depths of his despair, he cried out for God’s help.
In fact, he realized he was in trouble on his own because of his sin. Had the perfectly righteous God kept an ongoing record of the psalmist’s sins, he knew he could in no way stand before his Creator. His sin was so great he had no hope on his own, but his hope was not based on himself. Instead, he knew God forgives, and He does so that we might have reverent fear for Him. We are desperately guilty, but still He chooses to remember our sin no more, drop it the bottom of the ocean, put it behind His back, and blot it out—all evidence of the marvelous grace of a God who deserves our homage and praise.
We, like the psalmist, wait for Him, for His grace, for His cleansing, for His renewal – but we know all will come. We keep our eyes on the dawn like a watchman on the wall, knowing God renews His mercies for us every day. Our response is to put our trust in the One who offers sinful people like us “redemption in abundance” (Psa 130:7)–a phrase that warms my heart. He is indeed forever faithful in His love.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much does God’s forgiveness mean to you today?
DAILY PRAYER: “Out of our own depths we call to You, Lord. We honor You for hearing us.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Psalms 136, 146-150
