October 18, 2025

OUR STRENGTH IS ROOTED IN GOD’S WORD

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But you offer forgiveness, that we might learn to fear you. I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word. I long for the Lord more than sentries long for the dawn, yes, more than sentries long for the dawn.”

Psalm 130:1–6 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

This psalm is filled with raw emotion and deep spiritual truth. Let’s take a few moments to reflect on what we can learn from it.

1. The writer cries out to God

The language in this passage paints a picture of deep internal brokenness. It reminds us of Jonah crying out from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2:1) and Peter weeping bitterly after denying Jesus (Luke 22:62).

When we truly recognize the weight of our sin and its consequences, it should lead us to humble repentance before a holy God. There is no room for pride or pretense in His presence. When Isaiah saw the holiness of God, his response was, “Woe is me!” (Isaiah 6:5). Genuine repentance always begins with a genuine awareness of God’s holiness and our own need for grace.

2. The writer understands our need for mercy

The psalmist acknowledges that if God kept a record of every sin, none of us could stand. But thank God—He offers forgiveness! His mercy wipes the slate clean and gives us hope.

Forgiveness is not something we earn; it’s something God freely gives because of His love and compassion. His mercy is what allows us to draw close to Him without fear.

3. Our foundation of hope is God’s Word

The psalmist says, “I have put my hope in His Word.” God’s promises are the anchor for our souls. When we are in seasons of waiting, His Word keeps our hope alive.

The psalmist compares his longing for the Lord to guards waiting for the dawn. Those sentries watch through the long, dark night, knowing that morning will come—but still feeling the weariness of waiting. In the same way, we can grow tired while waiting for God to move, but we hold on because His Word reminds us of that light always follows the night.

Even when it feels dark, His promises are sure. Hope rooted in God’s Word strengthens our faith until His answer comes.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, help me to cry out to You in honesty during my times of trouble. I need Your mercy and Your Word. Teach me to hold fast to Your promises so my faith can stand strong, even in the waiting.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”