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Forgiveness is the key theme of the Bible!
We all require God’s grace, as Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” In Psalm 130, we find a contrite soul crying out to God. . .
From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer (Psalm 130:1-2, NLT).
Have we sinned to “the depths” or so low that without help, we will perish? Sinned so badly that we think God has turned His face away from us? Been so unfaithful that we doubt God will listen to us?
That’s the depths of despair.
As a pastor for 49 years, I can’t number the times someone said to me, “I can’t be forgiven; there is no hope.” Fortunately, I was able to share the following verse. . .
Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you (vv. 3-4).
Sin causes despair and depression. There’s no greater curse than living life dwelling upon our mistakes, betrayals, and shortfalls. Again, the entire Bible contains the story of forgiveness, and the summary of this historical truth means God still loves us.
Right now, if you are not forgiving yourself (about anything), meditate on this verse. . .
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Often, the pugnacious nature of sin means we must be beaten down, brought to the lowest of low, or the depth of despair before we even notice our transgressions. Not only does sin destroy us, but too often, we steadfastly deny the existence of this enemy who has broken down the gates of our souls.
And so down we go. Fortunately, we have a loving God, and when we come to our senses, let’s believe this verse. . .
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning (vv. 5-6, ESV).
We don’t understand the “watchman” concept today. We don’t have walled cities with enemies lurking in the darkness, at least not physically, but how about spiritually or emotionally? How many of us awake at night in the depths of doubt, guilt, confusion, and despair? And we wait for the morning, hoping that everything will get better.
But will it get better? Yes!
Why this confidence . . . “my soul waits, and in HIS word I hope!”
As Psalm 130 continues. . .
For with the Lord there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption (v. 7, NASB).
A great definition of mercy is the abundant redemption of the Lord, overwhelming our depth of despair with His forgiveness.
Amen. Peace out!