Verses: Psalm 130Sampl

Psalm 130:3-4
[3] If you, O LORD should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
[4] But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.

In Psalm 130, we move our eyes from the depths to the heights. The psalmist uses two names for God throughout this psalm that are actually translated the same in English but spelled slightly differently: LORD and Lord.

First the “all caps” LORD. This name is a reference to God’s special name Yahweh. This name was so sacred to the Jews that they wouldn’t even dare to say it out loud! It came to be associated with God’s faithfulness to his covenant with His people. What a profound thing to declare this name in times of sin or deep darkness! Thank Him today for His deep commitment to you even while you find yourself in the depths. The second name for God used is “Lord.” In Hebrew, this is the name Adonai, which is tied to the idea of God being our master and superior. It has less to do with God’s faithfulness toward us like LORD and more to do with His authority over us! Yahweh and Adonai. Two names for one God who is eternally committed to His people but also who rules over them and knows what’s best. The psalmist would tend to alternate between these two designations for God. How can you thank God for being both LORD and Lord in your life? How has He met you in His faithfulness but also in His power? Or perhaps name some of the ways you haven’t seen God in these ways! Ask for the grace to know Him more.

Verse 3 reminds us that God is perfectly holy and righteous. A question is asked: if God were keeping a running tally of sin, both of actions but also attitudes and intentions of the heart, who could stand before him? The sad truth is that no one could, from the most faithful worshiper to the most grievous sinner. In the words of Paul in Romans 3:10, “None is righteous, no, not one…” This reality is one of the things we grieve: that sin has marred our personal lives and our collective lives as a society. We need God. Psalm 130 comes as a fresh reminder of this need and offers an invitation to turn to Him. It doesn’t leave us wondering what the outcome will be.

In verse 4, we’re told that with God there is forgiveness! We expect judgment or disappointment, but God extends forgiveness. That though we, in the words of the famous hymn are “prone to wander,” God Himself is “prone to forgiveness.” In the Message, Eugene Peterson says, “As it turns out, forgiveness is your habit.” God’s native tongue is merciful forgiveness and He doesn’t have to work hard to speak it.

Meditate

• Read - Read verses 3-4 a few times out loud.
• Pray - In your journal, write out verses 3-4. The intention here is to slow down with the passage and linger in it. What words or phrases jump out at you? Turn those observations into a prayer for your day. Try writing these verses in your own words.
• Sing - Listen to and/or sing Psalm 23:3-4 by Aaron Strumpel below. As you’re able to throughout your day, try to listen to the song a few times on our Verses app or your digital streaming platform of choice. Try to let these verses be the first and last things on your tongue and mind as you wake up and as you go to sleep.