Psalm 79:8-15 “Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake. Why should the nations say, ‘Where is their God?’ Let it be known amongst the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants’ blood is being poured out. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death. Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Lord. So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.”

Our cry would be, “Don’t hold our past iniquities against us!” Of course, this is dependent on true repentance. If we are walking right with God then we’ll experience His presence, His love, His joy, and His peace. Our lives will be different, and people will notice. When we claim to be Christians and look exactly like the world others will question where our God is. We should want to love and serve Him so that we’ll experience His blessing, and then those who would disparage Him (and us) will be put to shame.

For additional worship: Stand By Me – Charles Albert Tindley (Melissa Schworer)