Forgiveness and Fear
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “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.” Psalm 130:3,4 NLT
As spiritual pilgrims come to the place of worship, the preparation of the heart is of utmost importance. In the Old Testament law we see sacrifices for sin always, preceded worship. The cleansing of the priests preceded the offering of sacrifices.
When we become aware of our sin and its impact, it can create a sense of desperation. That is why this psalm opens with the declaration, “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)
Real hope and help is found in the promise of forgiveness. Without forgiveness there is no hope, no help as we stand before a holy God. The good news is that the Lord offers forgiveness. Consider these verses, “He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve.” (Psalm 103:10 NLT) “…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV) “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV) 1 Corinthians 13 in its description of love tells us, “love keeps not record of wrong.” (1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)
The result of being forgiven when we know we deserve judgment and punishment is to “fear” the Lord. To stand in awe of His love and mercy. Often that “good news” is “news too good to be true” for some. It seems to easy, to simple. They feel that they need to do something. But the proper attitude is seen in this verse, “I am counting on the Lord;
yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.” (Psalm 130:5 NLT)
When we “count on the Lord” He will come through. “…with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows.” (Psalm 130:7 NLT) We need to remember there is nothing God can’t forgive and redeem. This psalm ends with, “He himself will redeem Israel from every kind of sin.” (Psalm 130:8 NLT)
Prayer for today… Lord, we stand in awe of Your forgiveness. Allow us to always be quick to turn to You and to trust in You to be our salvation and the One who enables us to stand without shame in Your presence.