Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 December 2020 Message
Topic: A cry for mercy
Opening Prayer: Let me know more of you today dear Lord as I meditate on your word.
Scripture: Psalm 130:1–8
Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any prayer for me to remember?
Message: What does ‘out of the depth’ (v.1) say about the Psalmist’s state of mind? Why does he cry to God for mercy (v.2)? See v.3, and also note that the reply to his rhetorical question is, ‘Nobody.’ Have you ever had cause to cry to the Lord ‘out of the depth’? What was the situation and how did the Lord respond? The antidote to the Psalmist’s despair is in v.4 ─ ‘there is forgiveness’ for his sinfulness. But, why would he ‘fear’ a God who forgives?
In this context, ‘fear’ does not mean ‘to be terrified’ but ‘to worship and honour’. God forgives my sin, and in thanksgiving for his mercy, I praise and worship him. Vv.5–6 is full of repetition. The word ‘wait’ is repeated five times (NIV)! Why this repetition, and why does he compare himself with a watchman waiting for the morning? See Psalm 6:3 for a possible reason. The answer to the Psalmist’s anguish is in v.7 ─ the Lord not only loves unfailingly but redeems completely. He offers unconditional forgiveness.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application
• And so: Reflect on vv.7– 8 as you ponder over the challenges facing the church today.
Hymn – To God be the glory
1. To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.
Refrain
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father,
through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory,
great things He has done.
2. O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
Prayer Points
• Praise God for his unfailing love and redemption for his church!
• Pray for political leaders to know that power belongs to God and, therefore, be willing to work for and uphold free and fair electoral processes and systems.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with Joshua 3:7
Read the Bible in one Year
Malachi; Luke 24:36–53
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 December 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world.