Here, we see a plea for mercy in which these Israeli exiled survivors cry out towards God as the list of their sins they have compiled over the years is far too heavy for their frail legs to carry alone. As their sins piled up, only then did they begin to be “brought very low” [v. 8]. Despite this reactive response these individuals displayed, it is important to note that they did not lose understanding that it was from God and only God that they would receive the necessary mercy, help, salvation, delivery and atonement that would release them of the burdens they were carrying because of sin.

Now, reflect on this passage as a New Testament believer. No matter what you’re going through in this season--high, or low--look at these attributes of God that these Israelites are seeking in this Psalm, and experience them through the person of Jesus. When anything brings any sense of weight to our shoulders, just know that it is Jesus’ joy to carry it for us.

[Psalm 79.8-9]

8 Do not remember against us our former iniquities;

let your compassion come speedily to meet us,

for we are brought very low.

9 Help us, O God of our salvation,

for the glory of your name;

deliver us, and atone for our sins,

for your name's sake!

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is your definition of ‘Mercy’? Does this line up with the biblical definition of it?

+ Look in v. 9: how does the psalmist crying out to God bring glory to Him? Why does it matter that it is “for [His] name’s sake”?

+ What does all of this show about man’s actions towards taking care of sin issues vs. God’s actions towards taking care of sin issues?

+ ‘Deliverance’ and ‘Atonement’...what do these terms mean to you? How does God pour these two out to us as New Testament disciples?

+ What is the common structure of a Psalm? As in, how does a Psalm commonly start and end? What does this show about our human nature and what we need to do amidst our everyday life?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Do I need to make this plea of mercy today? It's 100% okay if needed...its realizations like this where we are able to meet with Jesus personally and come out refreshed on the other side. Reflect on II Corinthians 7.9-11:

9 As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.

10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 11 For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.

+ When life gets heavy, do I find myself proactively or reactively crying words similar to this Psalm out to God?

+ Think of a time when you were “brought very low.” How does this draw you closer to Jesus, and His works and words?

+ How can I see these words like mercy, help, salvation, delivery and atonement come alive in my day today? We need each of these everyday...we fall when we detach ourselves from them.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Are there brothers and sisters in my day to day life that can be touched by what I have processed today with the Holy Spirit?