Lent, Day 2: A Little Honesty Never Hurt Anybody

Scripture Reading:  Psalm 25:1-10 

Focus on the Word

In the heart of David’s prayer he prays, “O Lord, forgive my many, many sins” (Psalm 25:11,NLT).  Apparently he recognized his brokenness and sinfulness, and sought to be open with God about it all.  Added to this was the reality of being the leader of Israel.  He speaks of being lonely and afflicted and how the troubles of his heart had been enlarged.  He longed for the Lord to bring him out of his distresses.  

Troubles from within his own heart and troubles from just living in his world drove him to God, asking God to guard his soul and to deliver him.  He wanted to be a man of God.  He might have lived with brokenness, and sin may have been at his heels everyday, but David longed for God to be God in his life. Finally he prayed, “Let integrity and uprightness preserve me for I wait for You” (Psalm 25:21, NASB)

Lent is a time to wait.  It is a time to slow down, to fine tune our hearts to the grace of God.  It is a time to face up to who we are and also a time to face up to who God is.   A little honesty never hurt anybody.  Bringing our lives to God, the good, the bad, and the broken, is the way we people of God express our hope and belief that God will make His ways known. This is a huge issue for us because, as David said, “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies” Psalm 25:10, NASB)

Today’s Prayer

Look upon us, O Lord,

and let all the darkness of our souls

vanish before the beams of thy brightness.

Fill us with holy love,

and open to us the treasures of thy wisdom.

All our desire is known unto thee,

therefore perfect what thou hast begun,

and what thy Spirit has awakened us to ask in prayer.

We seek thy face,

turn thy face unto us and show us thy glory.

Then shall our longing be satisfied,

and our peace shall be perfect.

(Augustine, 354 - 430)