Our scripture this morning is Psalms 94:17-19.
Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
This psalm reminds us of our frailty and our tendency to slip into sin. It also assures us of God’s presence and His help when we slip. It doesn’t mean we just slide through life with no consequences or responsibilities, but rather He forgives when our repentance and desire to do better are sincere.
The lesson here is God gives us “renewed hope and cheer” even when things are hard. This is both a promise that things will be better and the energy for us to be part of the solution. God needs no help from us but when we work together for His purpose our relationship is strengthened as well.
God wants us all, individually and together, to know His love and to use His gifts well. We waste these gifts when we don’t follow His way. Only by connecting with Him personally and communally can we truly be His children.
Loving Lord, we are sorry for the times we have squandered what You have given us on sin. Forgive us and send us to share the blessing of Your love with the world. Amen.
