READING:
One-year plan: Psalms 129-139
Two-year plan: Song of Solomon 1-2, Galatians 5:16-26
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It’s just one question, and it consists of only a few words in English – but it’s a gripping one. The psalmist directed this question to God in a song that expresses grief over sin and then proclaims gratitude for forgiveness: “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3).
Think about this question. What would it be like if God counted all our sins, catalogued them in a ledger, and held them against us? Imagine that list, if it represented just my life. It would have to have many, many pages; even if I sinned only once per day, and I lived 70 years, I’d still have 25,000+ sins for which I would need to answer. It would require many, many categories – one for each different type of sin like pride, lust, greed, and selfishness. In the presence of a holy, perfect God, I would have no place to stand. Nor would you in your own situation.
The psalmist assumes his own answer that no can stand, but he then follows with these marvelous words: “But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be revered” (Psalm 130:4). We’re guilty, but He forgives us. We cannot stand, but God lowered Himself to us. Our sins are many, but they are covered through the blood of Christ. Our God is a good God whose love is beyond our comprehension. It is right, then, that we revere Him with holy respect and humble submission.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you revere God today?
PRAYER: “God, I will give you thanks with all my heart.” (Psa 138:1)
TOMORROW’S READING:
One-year plan: Psalms 140-150
Two-year plan: Song of Solomon 3-5, Galatians 6
MEMORIZATION VERSE (July 1-15)
“Let the whole earth shout to the Lord; be jubilant, shout for joy, and sing.” (Psa 98:4)
