Abiding in the PsalmsSample

Forgiveness

Sometimes when we have upset or hurt someone, we get the feeling that they wouldn’t want to talk to us. This feeling is often felt in our relationship with God; when we are struggling, it feels like He isn’t listening, or when we are plagued with guilt because of sin, it feels like He doesn’t want to listen.

It is from this place that the author of this psalm cries out to God and pleads with Him to hear his prayer of repentance. We then see a recognition that neither they nor anyone else is worthy to stand before God, followed by the proclamation of forgiveness in God and the declaration of the purpose of forgiveness, which is to serve God with reverence. The author then waits on the Lord, which means to trust Him, look to Him, and stay focused on Him. Finally, we see the author call others to experience the forgiveness they now know. 

This is a model each of us should copy regularly, so we will use the rest of the devotion to follow this example. Follow this slowly and maybe write down or say aloud each step. 

- Cry out to God

- Recognise we don’t deserve forgiveness 

- Proclaim that there is forgiveness in God for us, in the name of Jesus 

- Ask that God would strengthen us to walk in His purpose and serve Him

- Wait on God

- Tell others about the forgiveness you have received

Every single person reading this must know that this applies to them, the forgiveness is yours, the purpose is yours, the message is yours to pass on, all because God is a God who forgives.

Questions

1. What do you think it means to have reverence?

2. How do you think you can wait upon the Lord?

3. Do you know that you are forgiven?

4. Who else could you tell about this forgiveness?

Pray 

Thank God that you are forgiven and ask for strength to serve Him with reverence.