A Song of Forgiveness

Beloved People of God,

As far back as the sixth century in recorded history—and probably even further back than that—Christians have reflected on seven psalms as they enter Lent (Psalm 6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143). These songs in the hymnbook of Israel sing over us the joy of confession and the gift of repentance. As followers of Jesus, we find in these lyrical prayers the peace with God found through lament.

Today, as we kneel before the Lord our God, taking the shape of the cross gently outlined in ash on our foreheads, we internalize the words of Psalm 6. Knowing that we are dust and to dust we will return, we sing with the psalmist, David, starting with a single word: Lord! David wrote this song in the valley of suffering. He was wracked in pain and weeping over his life. He lamented his state, but lest he drift from God’s faithfulness, he anchored his experience within the Lord’s revealed nature. The first word he sings is the name of God spoken to Moses: Yahweh.

As we begin this Lenten season, let’s begin our valley lament within the character of Christ. He is the Son of God, the Lord of Moses, the sovereign of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He is the God who hears and responds. He is the One who hears our confession and forgives our sin. He heals our sickness and delivers us from evil.

On Sunday, we will continue with David’s penitential psalms, reflecting on Psalm 32, his song of forgiveness. Lamenting we will also sing rejoicing how God’s “steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.”

For His Name’s Sake,

Brett