May 8th
Today’s reading comes from Psalms 25, 29, 33, 36, and 39. A familiar theme runs through these chapters: God’s steadfast love—likely the most impactful Hebrew word in the Old Testament, HESED (חֶסֶד).
In Psalm 25:6, David recalls that he can rest in God’s favor because of His HESED. That steadfast love sustains him—and it can sustain us too.
One area where negative thoughts often linger—and where the enemy of my soul presses in—is on the sins of my youth. There are many. I can’t go back and make amends for each one. Some people have passed on, and in many cases, I don't fully remember what I said or did. For this reason, David’s prayer in Psalm 25:7 is such an encouragement to me,
“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!”
To anyone reading this, I’d encourage that confession be made for what is known, and if there’s a lingering conviction about a wrong—especially toward someone specifically—take that as the Holy Spirit’s gentle prompting and do your best to make amends. After confession, trust in God’s complete forgiveness. Your identity is no longer defined by your past but by Christ. The way the Father sees His Son is now how He sees you, because Jesus’s righteousness has been credited to your account (Romans 4:22–25). Don’t diminish the magnitude of God’s grace. Receive it humbly and gratefully.
Psalm 29 lifted my heart further. It reminded me that the One who forgives me is also the Creator and Sustainer of all things. He is worthy of glory and honor. So instead of sitting in shame, I should stand in awe,
“Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him! For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm.” (Psalm 33:8–9)
God not only creates and sustains us—He also gives us faith:
“He who fashions the hearts of them all, and observes all their deeds.” (Psalm 33:15)
He gifted me faith, knows everything about me, and still loves me. That’s HESED.
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36:7)
And finally today, Psalm 39, reminded me that this love isn’t permission to live carelessly. David vows to guard his words and walk with integrity,
“I said, ‘I will guard my ways, that I may not sin with my tongue… Hear my prayer, O Lord… I am a sojourner with you… Look away from me, that I may smile again, before I depart and am no more!’” (Psalm 39:1, 12–13)
David commits himself to God because he knows that is where His smile will be found. I know that feeling. When God’s discipline weighs on me or my failures seem too heavy, I long for relief. But the way forward is not self-pity—it’s to do what I know is right and trust in God.
Takeaway: Don’t wallow in guilt or uncertainty. Lean into Jesus. Trust His Word. Do what you know is right, and believe what God has declared over your life. That’s how mourning turns into dancing (BTW, that is within the context of today’s reading, Psalm 30:11).