If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
Psalm 130: 3-4 [ESV]
This Psalm of lament and trust in God’s mercy is often suggested to be a response from David to God after his adulterous affair with Bathsheba and the slaughter of her husband. The writer is clear that God has the right to judge and that, if he chose to mark our inequities (sins) then nobody could stand as righteous in his presence.
If you have time read the whole psalm…
David goes on to say that he waits for the Lord, ”more than watchmen for the morning.” The attitude of waiting for and waiting on God when we find ourselves in the depths of despair is a lesson that we all need to remember and relearn from time to time. Although David did receive a reconciliation with God after his outrageous actions, the consequences had an impact on the rest of his reign. So sadly some of our actions can have a lasting impact on our lives. However, the point is that it doesn’t matter how deep a pit we may find ourselves in, we can wait on God’s mercy. It will come. There will be a new day. David, like us, waited for God like a watchman on an ancient city wall. David, unlike us, didn’t know that however sin impacts on our lives, thanks to Jesus, its impact will have no eternal significance. Praise God that we are redeemed!
For prayer: thank God for Jesus’ cross. It has spoken eternal mercy over you and sin will not have an eternal impact on you.
If you want to pray to a modern setting of the Psalm, click on the link below.
Out of the Depths: YouTube 4:40
If you prefer a choral version, then try this link.
Anglican Chant:YouTube 2:59
John Martin-Jones
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