May 17, 2011

Psalm 106:24-48 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Mark 13:24-31, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, 2 Samuel 1-2

Journal Entry

Scripture

"Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love." (Psalm 106:44-45)

Observation

Much of this prayer in Psalm 106 is a prayer of repentance. The psalmist spends much time in repenting of sins that he and his fathers have committed against God (v. 6). When we acknowledge and grieve over our sins, we cannot rush through or gloss over them. A true heart of repentance demands us to linger and examine our sins in the presence of the Holy God. There is a turning point in this psalm with the word "nevertheless" on verse 44; God's amazing mercy and grace radiates in the dark backdrop of people's sins. Just like a diamond shines more when it's placed on top of a black cloth, God's grace and love sparkles all the more when it's placed in the lives of sinners. Romans 5:20 says, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more." Here God takes the initiative to show his covenant love to people who disobeyed for generations. God chose to "look upon their distress" ... He chose to "hear their cry" ... He chose to "remember his covenant love for their sake" (vv. 44-45).

Application

When I truly understand the magnitude of God's amazing love for me, I cannot help but to "praise the Lord," which bookends this psalm. When I honestly see the depravity of my heart, my soul finds its strength in nothing other than God's steadfast love towards me. My lips sing praises to the Lord (v. 48). My heart is filled with thanksgiving (v. 47). I cry out to God for salvation (v. 47). Today as I remember this message, I will cry out and sing to the Lord with my heart filled with praises and thanksgiving.

Prayer

Lord, as I examine my heart this morning, I ask you to bring to my attention all the offenses I have made against you. Help me not to gloss over my sins, but reveal unto me all that I have that grieves your heart. Lord, as I look into my life with a repentant heart, I will cling to your covenant love for me so that what I ultimately see is not just my sinfulness, but the radiance of your glory and grace that abounds all the more. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

--Stephen Han