MERCY AND RENEWED HOPE

At a time when our country seems to be tearing itself apart and we are tempted to lash out in fear and anger and frustration, Psalm 130 reminds us that the only place we can find mercy, forgiveness, purpose, and a renewed hope is in the “unfailing love” of the LORD.
The kids in AWANA memorize Psalm 130:3, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?” This verse, chosen out of all the verses in the Bible, is the one used to remind children that the Lord is not tracking us to catch us make a mistake so that He can pounce on it and punish us. The next verse makes it absolutely clear; “But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.” In once sentence, God tells us we can be made clean AND have a purpose – serve the One we offended by our sins!
Verse 8 concludes the Psalm; “He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.” It is “He himself” that will do the work. Repeated to make sure we don’t miss it. It is not an angle, it is not an action of His that causes this redemption to happen, it is the Lord that saves us. There is no chance of a mistake or getting lost in the confusion. There is no frustration or dependence on another and best of all it is not based on me. It is the Lord alone that saves me. Note also that I am not just saved from my sins generally, but the Text says “all their sins”. He forgives ALL my sins, every one of my sins and each one of my sins are paid for by the only One who can – the Lord.
Lord, in a day when I am challenged, scrutinized for every word and every action, and I know I am guilty of so many sins, thank you for complete forgiveness of all my sins. God you are a God of “unfailing love.” Show me how to be an expression of the love You extend to me so that I can bring mercy and renewed hope to each one I come in contact with today.