“If You, LORD, should mark [take notice of] iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared” (Psalm 130:3-4).
Dear Praying Friends:
When I went to bed last night, I was very disappointed in a person who is quite important to me. I planned to talk with him soon about this.
But when I awoke in the middle of the night, I decided to apply to myself Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 7:1-5 about how to treat people with whom we are not happy: I asked God to show me the plank in my own eye.
As he always does, God answered this prayer immediately.
Suddenly, I saw in a new way how, over a period of twenty-five years, I have ignored his clear leading about a major priority in my life and have done my own thing instead. I should say, “things,” for I pursued many projects that were dear to me rather than this one thing I knew he wanted me to do. Like a silly sheep, I had gone my own way, doing what was right in my own eyes.
Stricken with remorse, I turned on the light and read this psalm, one of my favorites. Martin Luther wrote a powerful hymn based upon it (https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=uOdtBwBZbGo). I confessed my disobedience and took great comfort in his promise of forgiveness. Then I asked God to enable me to change my ways and to do his will, not my own.
“O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7-8).
Yours in his grace and mercy,
Wright