THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus
Monday, November 18, 2024

Lord, reading the Psalms, I get the impression the psalmist’s life resembled a rollercoaster. One moment, he lived a godly life, serving you. Next, he wandered from faith and found himself surrounded by enemies, fighting for his life. One such psalm described his need for immediate divine assistance. Evidently, everything he tried failed to deliver. As he clung to the end of his proverbial rope, what other choice did he have but to call on you. Personally, the psalmist situation sounds familiar.

Most folks might not face the dangers the psalmist faced. Everyone has been broken at one time, some multiple times. We face mountains we cannot climb, walk around, or tunnel through. Mired in misery from one life’s disappointment after another, countless multitudes echo the psalmist’s prayer.

“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).
No more denial. The time for complete transparency and honesty arrived. Scripture suggests the psalmist knew his problems rose from his sin. His hesitancy at repentance compounded his misery. In his pleading, he reminded you, and himself, of your merciful character.

“Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?” (Psalm 130:3)

Stubbornly, an enemy still hung around. It’s true you may not have kept a record of his sins, however, the psalmist did. Every day, the devil reminded him of his sin record. Every day, your Spirit faithfully revived him. He wrote of your mercy.

“But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you” (Psalm 130:4)

Lord, your love allows all who believe the freedom to fearlessly love you with all our being. I wanna live like that. No more rollercoaster.
Amen, Jesus.