Day 19 · Faith and God’s Promises · (NET2)
From the depths, the psalmist cries to God. If the Lord kept a record of sins against us, no one could stand. Yet with him there is forgiveness, steadfast love, and abundant redemption. Forgiveness leads to reverent worship, not indifference toward sin. In Christ we see the costly saving work through which God grants this joyful welcome.
Request
Father, hear me in my need. By your Spirit, help me confess honestly, receive the forgiveness Christ secured, and wait for you with hope. Amen.
Read
1 From the deep water I cry out to you, O Lord.
2 O Lord, listen to me.
Pay attention to my plea for mercy.
3 If you, O Lord, were to keep track of sins,
O Lord, who could stand before you?4 But you are willing to forgive
so that you might be honored.
5 I rely on the Lord.
I rely on him with my whole being;
I wait for his assuring word.
6 I yearn for the Lord,
more than watchmen do for the morning,
yes, more than watchmen do for the morning.7 O Israel, hope in the Lord,
for the Lord exhibits loyal love
and is more than willing to deliver.
8 He will deliver Israel
from all their sins.
Scripture: NET Bible, Second Edition (NET2).
Reflect
- How does the assurance of forgiveness change the psalmist's posture toward God?
- What would it mean to wait on God's word rather than continually rehearse your guilt?
Restate
Connect forgiveness, reverence, and hope as this psalm does.
Respond
Let the passage guide your prayer. Use these prompts in your own words:
- Praise: Praise God for steadfast love and abundant redemption.
- Thanksgiving: Thank him for forgiveness secured through the cross of Christ.
- Confession: Name your sin honestly and turn to him without self-justification.
- Intercession: Pray for someone overwhelmed by guilt or despair.
- Petition: Ask for reverent joy and patient hope in God's word.
Carry it into today: When confessed sin returns to accuse you, answer with thanksgiving for Christ's saving work and continue in repentance.