Monday, February 2, 2026

Opening Scripture

“Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O LORD. The LORD is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way. The LORD leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands. For the honor of your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins. Who are those who fear the LORD? He will show them the path they should choose.” Psalm 25:7-12

Opening Prayer

Most Merciful God, I confess that I have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what I have done, and by what I have left undone. I have not loved you with my whole heart; I have not loved my neighbors as myself. I am truly sorry and I humbly repent. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me and forgive me, that I may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your name. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Psalm 6

LORD, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath. Have mercy on me, LORD, for I am faint; heal me, LORD, for my bones are in agony. My soul is in deep anguish. How long, LORD, how long? Turn, LORD, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave?

I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the LORD has heard my weeping. The LORD has heard my cry for mercy; the LORD accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Reflection  

This week, we will journey through the Psalms with an emphasis on confession and repentance. Today’s passage has introductory notes indicating that this is “a psalm of David for the director of music to be accompanied by stringed instruments.”

The Psalms have been referred to as the Jewish hymnal. This collection of 150 sacred songs has been part of worship among the people of God for centuries, many dating back to the rule of King David around 1000 B.C.

Psalm 6 is the first of seven “penitential psalms” that express deep sorrow for sin and an earnest appeal for God’s mercy and forgiveness. The author’s graphic language reveals that his painful affliction is both internal and external. His honesty and vulnerability leave no room for pride or self-righteousness.

Interestingly, King David offers a glimpse of his understanding of death in these verses. His plea for forgiveness includes reminding God that if David dies, he will no longer be able to praise Him.

The psalmist pours out his heart to the Lord, knowing that God’s unfailing love can be counted on in times of desperate need. Though David readily admits his own unfaithfulness, he is confident in God’s eternal faithfulness.

Flourishing Habit

Mental and Physical Health

Why do we have such a hard time admitting when we’re wrong?

As children, we’re taught to say, “I’m sorry” … even if we don’t mean it. And we’ve all been put off by half-hearted apologies that make it seem like the recipient is guilty. “I’m sorry if you were somehow offended by something I said or did.”

Our natural pride and defensiveness undermine our need to acknowledge our guilt. And unfortunately, society seems all too ready to endorse our sin and arrogance.

• “The wicked freely strut about when what is vile is honored among men.” Psalm 12:8
• “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Psalm 14:1
• “Concerning the sinfulness of the wicked, there is no fear of God before his eyes. For in his own eyes he flatters himself too much to detect or hate his sin.” Psalm 36:1-2

Honest confession requires genuine humility. Go back and read today’s Opening Prayer again. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind anything that you need to confess – owning and acknowledging it as sin – and ask for God’s forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Remember: Nothing changes until something changes!