SCRIPTURE: Psalm 130

OBSERVATION:
As the Psalmist approaches the temple (God), he becomes more aware of His guilt, and experiences godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:8-13). Even though he knows he is not worthy of God’s acceptance, he refuses to let go of God’s mercy, and “waits” deep in his soul for God’s pardon and acceptance. God is to be honoured because, in addition to His justice, He is also merciful. God does not deal lghtly with sin, but neither does He reject us because of it. This is the heart of the gospel (good news), God provides justice and mercy through the cross!

APPLICATION:
I have been in these depths, times when I am painfully aware how my sin and failure hurt God and others. In those times God often feels very far away, though it was me that “moved”. But deep down inside, my soul also waits, I cling to God’s mercy, and trust that I will experience His forgiving love. It is a costly gift, for Jesus suffered to make it possible. But the promise to me here is that the Lord will redeem (rescue) me from all my sins, therefore there is always hope, even when I feel like I am in the depths of despair.

PRAYER:
Lord, I have felt the burden of my sin, though I suspect not enought. Help me to truly repent, to experience true godly sorrow, not so that I get stuck in despair but that I might find my way to the other side, to renewal and hope and a better way of life with You! Amen.