May 24, 2023 - Psalms 78-82

Asaph cries out, “Do not remember against us our former iniquities; let your compassion come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of your name; deliver us, and atone for our sins, for your name’s sake!” (79:8-9) To reflect on our lives and to recall former iniquities, how disheartening that can be. With Israel, we must say that we have not been as faithful to our God as we should have been. We have not rightly loved the God who has loved us with so great a love. In such moments of reflection and sorrow, what can we do? Well, exactly as Asaph did! He cried out to God for help and pleaded with him to atone for his and the people’s sins. That’s our hope, isn’t it, not in our own supposed goodness but in God’s help! The message of the gospel just never gets old, does it?

Remember not, O God,

the sins of long ago;

in tender mercy visit us,

distressed and humbled low.

O Lord, our Savior, help,

and glorify your name;

deliver us from all our sins

and take away our shame.

In your compassion hear

your pris’ner’s plaintive sigh,

and in the greatness of your pow’r

save those about to die.

Then, safe within your fold,

we will exalt your name;

our thankful hearts with songs of joy

your goodness will proclaim. –Trinity Psalter Hymnal (1912)