If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?

Psalm 130:3

Explanation

This verse gives flavor and context to the previous two verses.  In verses 1 and 2, the psalmist cries out to the Lord from the depths.  He asks the Lord to hear his voice as he prays, and asks God for help.  

1 Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD.
2 Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

Psalm 130:1-2

When we get to verse 3 it explains the reason for the desperation.

He has sinned.  He is guilty.

It comes in the form of a question.  Who is innocent before the Lord who holds sinners accountable?  Who can stand innocent before the Lord.  The answer is not given, but is so obvious to anyone who pays attention that the answer is clearly inferred.  The answer is utterly, “No one.”

The New Testament scripture rings in our ears.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.”

Romans 3:23, Romans 3:10

Application

Now, if you stand guilty before the judge of the universe, why would you cry out that judge from the depths? The answer will come in verse four, which we will study tomorrow.

For now, let’s remember this, and let’s see as God sees.

We have sinned, and we are guilty. There ought to be a godly kind of sorrow about our sin. There ought to be a desperation in our voice about our need for forgiveness, and our need for a Savior. There can be no forgiveness without confession.

Response

Father, God, I stand before you today trying to be transparent with you about my sin. There is something in me that fights it, and it is stupid because you know better than I my own sinfulness. Thank you for loving me in spite of it, and for sending Your Son as redeemer and friend. I love you. Amen