"Enter not into judgment with Your servant, for no one living is righteous before You. For the enemy has pursued my soul; he has crushed my life to the ground; he has made me sit in darkness like those long dead. Therefore my spirit faints within me; my heart within me is appalled." - Psalm 143:2-4
David is saying, “I can’t believe I fell for that temptation again!” Sometimes, after it’s all over, you realize you’ve been set up; the devil has pushed you and steered you and taken advantage of your weakness once again. You realize there’s no hiding behind “the devil made me do it;” we’re responsible before God for our sin. But sometimes, in spite of our best intentions and determination to do what’s right, between the devil, the world and our own sinful flesh we are overwhelmed. We lose our bearings and find ourselves railroaded once again into sin.
After it’s all over, we are appalled. We are discouraged. Our heart faints within us as we wonder how God can possibly forgive us, much less find any use for us in His kingdom. That’s how David felt. But he continues: “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land.” (Psalm 143:5-6) Remember all that the Lord has done for you, how Jesus has already paid the price of your redemption; how He has forgiven and picked you up and delivered you in the past; how He keeps His promises; and stretch your hands out to Him. “Let me hear in the morning of Your steadfast love, for in You I trust. Make me know the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8) You need to hear that gracious word of forgiveness again; the Gospel of His steadfast love for Jesus’ sake. We long for it, like dry, parched ground longs for the rain. God is good. His mercy never fails. His loving kindness extends to you, for Jesus’ sake. Lord Jesus, thank You for the blood that covers my sin. Thank You for caring for my soul, for loving and forgiving me now, again, today. Hold me close as we move forward once again. Amen. Pastor Dan Giles