“If You, LORD, should mark [take notice of] iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared” (Psalm 130:3-4).
Dear Praying Friends:
When I went to bed last night, I was very disappointed in a person who is quite important to me. I planned to talk with him soon about this.
But when I awoke in the middle of the night, I decided to apply to myself Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 7:1-5 about how to treat people with whom we are not happy: I asked God to show me the plank in my own eye.
As he always does, God answered this prayer immediately.
Suddenly, I saw in a new way how, over a period of twenty-five years, I have ignored his clear leading about a major priority in my life and have done my own thing instead. I should say, “things,” for I pursued many projects that were dear to me rather than this one thing I knew he wanted me to do. Like a silly sheep, I had gone my own way, doing what was right in my own eyes.
Stricken with remorse, I turned on the light and read this psalm, one of my favorites. Martin Luther wrote a powerful hymn based upon it (https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=uOdtBwBZbGo). I confessed my disobedience and took great comfort in his promise of forgiveness. Then I asked God to enable me to change my ways and to do his will, not my own.
For your prayers: Please ask God to
Help us all to see, confess, and find forgiveness for our sins daily.
Protect and guide the editor of the press that published my book on the China Inland Mission and her house church, which faces serious pressures.
“O Israel, hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7-8).
Yours in his grace and mercy,
Wright