Freedom- Psalm 38 #SheReadsTruth

Psalm 38

Sin. We were born into, we live in it, and Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God". BUT Jesus died for it. Still, we allow guilt and shame to overtake us. Still, we beat ourselves up about what we've done. How can this oh so holy God use us lowly sinners? 

I envision the Psalmist (Psalm 38) in a fetal position, with tears streaming down his face, terrified about what else could go wrong. His world is falling apart verses 1-17 and things seem bleak. However, verse 18 reads, "I confess my iniquity; I am troubled by my sin." This is the turning point. He's not comfortable in his sin. He's not making excuses, he's come to his father in an act of surrender.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

There is freedom in confession. No longer is the Psalmist bound by his transgressions (Psalm 28:13). In the same way, we are forgiven. Guilt, fear, and anxiety are no more. We are FREE. 

Lord, do not forsake me;  do not be far from me, my God. Come quickly to help me,  my Lord and my Savior. Psalm 38:21-22

Psalm 38:21-22 is a prayer of submission. When we pray, we have to be prepared to do what He asks us to do. We have to be ready to accept his loving, helping hand. Because He will come when we call (Isaiah 65:24) 

Happy Friday!

Psalm 130- God's Unfailing Love #SheReadsTruth

This post is also linked on www.shereadstruth.com! :)

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. (Psalm 130:1-2)

Have you ever been there- stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, worried, [insert other negative emotions here]? Instead of seeking comfort from televisions, relationships, and other distractions, seek Him. Those are the times where God is longing to hear from you. He's longing for you to depend only on him and not your own strength. 

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. (Psalm 130:3-4)

But we have the audacity to hold grudges. We, mere humans, harden our hearts to those who have wronged us. Meanwhile, The Creator, offers his children an immeasurable amount grace. That grace allows us to continue to serve Him with a pure heart, even after we've messed up. *praise break*

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord  more than watchmen wait for the morning,  more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

Waiting is a foreign concept, in today's society. We are not accustomed to waiting for letters, harvest, meals cooked from scratch, or dial up internet :). I actually find myself willing the microwave to speed up cooking popcorn (max 2 minutes)! This concept of waiting is one that has not changed since the beginning of time. But the cool thing about waiting on God is that he'll never be late. He'll never forsake you. Waiting is a time for preparation and expectation. (See 2 Peter 3:9)

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:7-8)

*drops mic* What commentary needs to be added? The Lord is unfailing. We simply have to trust in him. 

I have been obsessed with this cover since I saw Joe perform it live last year. This song is Psalm 130 in a nutshell. 

Happy Friday!