Daily Devotion for February 18 - Psalm 25:6 - 7

 Verse

"Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 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!" (Psalm 25:6–7)

Meditation

These verses capture a heartfelt plea for God’s mercy, grounded in His eternal character of steadfast love. The psalmist appeals to God to act in accordance with His unchanging nature rather than the weight of human sinfulness. The reference to the "sins of my youth" acknowledges past failings, but the focus remains on God’s ability to forgive and restore. This is not a casual hope but a deep trust in God’s goodness, which has been demonstrated throughout history. By asking to be remembered “according to your steadfast love,” the psalmist shifts the emphasis from human merit to divine grace. These words remind us that our confidence before God does not rest on our own righteousness but on His mercy and love. In seeking forgiveness, we are invited to trust in the unshakable goodness of the Lord, who is ever ready to renew and redeem His people.

Gospel

"And Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.'" (Luke 23:34a)

This verse from Luke complements the psalmist's plea for mercy and forgiveness. The psalmist appeals to God's steadfast love and goodness to pardon sins, while Jesus, embodying that mercy, intercedes for forgiveness even from the cross. Both passages reveal the depth of God's compassion and the assurance of His willingness to forgive those who turn to Him in humility and repentance.

Collect

O Lord, remember Your mercy and steadfast love, for they are from of old. Forget not Your compassion toward us, but pardon the sins of our youth and our transgressions, according to Your great goodness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Hymn Verse

"O God, my faithful God,
True fountain ever flowing,
Without whom nothing is,
All perfect gifts bestowing;
Give me a healthy frame,
And may I have the grace
To bear my cross and shame
And glorify Thy name."

"O God, My Faithful God" (LSB 696)