BUT THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH THEE

Another prayer psalm which comes from heart-rending exercise before God.

What depths are there now for the psalmist? They are experiences with which we are familiar. There is a sense of overwhelming woe and a fresh realization of impending disaster on account of ‘iniquities’, v. 3. We are dealing with sins. This matter cannot be sidestepped. It is basic to our spiritual health and to face the issue is of the deepest importance. It calls for acute agonizing before God.

Rejoice! Our God is all He claims to be. He takes full account of iniquities and yet with Him is found the forgiveness that we need, vv. 3, 4.

This forgiveness, which is His alone, enables the guilty to be justly cleared of all charges. It enables those who have sinned to possess and maintain a righteous acceptance with Him, Rom. 3. 21-26.

Who should stand were it not so?, v. 3. Thank God for Jesus Christ the righteous, 1 John 2. 1, 2. For this we will fear Him. Sin is never an idle or passing matter. We need to cultivate a holy hatred of it and a godly fear of Him with whom there is forgiveness, v. 4.

Thus, we now have hope through faith. We wait for the Lord and hope for His word, vv. 5, 6. This alone is our rest in regard to these depths out of which we cry. It is the answer of our God; that which He has promised to all who believe.

Who are the morning watchers, v. 6? Perhaps those helplessly hanging to the storm-wrecked ship and longing for the morning light which may herald their deliverance. In their longing these could not long more intensely than we for the Lord. The reason? Well, His morning will be one ‘without clouds clear shining after rain’, 2 Sam. 23. 4. His is a dawning this world has never yet seen, but when it comes it will manifest His mercy and plenteous redemption, v. 7. There is a restored Israel, v. 8, and a purged earth and a universe without sin. (No more depths to cry out of!).

Saint of God, keep short accounts regarding sin and hope for the morning of His Coming.