Psalm 130 - Assurance of the Lord's Forgiveness

The author of Psalm 130 is not known; however, some suggest it was Hezekiah.  The author shares with us in this short psalm that if we confess our sins to God, He will forgive us. 

Psalm 130:1,2 - "Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; 2- O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy"

In the depths of despair, the psalmist cried out to God.  Despair makes us feel isolated and distant from God, but this is precisely when we need God the most.  Despair over sin should not lead to self-pity, causing us to think more about ourselves than God.  Instead, it should lead to confession and then to God's mercy, forgiveness and redemption. 

When we feel overwhelmed by a problem, feeling sorry for ourselves will only increase feelings of hopelessness, but crying out to God will turn our attention to the only One who can really help.

Psalm 130:3,4 - "If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? 4-But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared"

Keeping a record of sins (or holding a grudge) is like building a wall  between you and another person, and it is nearly impossible to talk openly while the wall is there. God doesn't keep a record of our sins, when he forgives, he forgives completely, tearing down any wall between us and him.

Therefore, we fear (revere) God; yet we can talk to him about anything.  When you pray, realize that God is holding nothing against you.  His lines of communication are completely open.