PSALM 130

A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD; 2 Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications. 3 If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But [there is] forgiveness with You, That You may be feared. 5 I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. 6 My soul [waits] for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning–[Yes, more than] those who watch for the morning. 7 O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD [there is] mercy, And with Him [is] abundant redemption. 8 And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.

PSALM 130:1-8

THERE IS FORGIVENESS WITH YOU

I’m a little tired and scattered this morning so I’m shooting more from the hip today. This is a little bit about how my brain works as I read through this passage. The questions I asked and general questions that arise as I look for how this applies to me:

The undertow pulls you out further than you ever wanted to go. The water covers your head. You are stuck and can’t get yourself out of it. Where do you go? (v1) Like Jonah caught in the terribleness of his sin. Running from God. Thrown overboard. Swallowed by a whale, sometimes we are in the depths, over our head with problems!

Where do we turn when we are in the depths? Drugs? Alcohol? Pornography? Self-destructive behavior? Food? Relationships? Gossip?… or do we turn to the LORD? 

How do we deal with Sin? Denial? Lie about it? Cover it up?  Blame others? Blame God? Claiming that it’s not a big deal?… or do we come to God for forgiveness?

How do we respond to the offer of forgiveness? Entitlement? Denial? Pride? Resentment? Or Do we respect GOD all the more (v. 5-6)?!

What is the Psalmist waiting for? He is already forgiven! I guess being forgiven and feeling forgiven are two different things? At least sometimes that’s the way it is in my experience. I know God forgives, but I don’t always feel forgiven. I need that security that comes from a renewed relationship with the LORD. You know Saul didn’t wait on the LORD and it turned into a disaster. He had a false security.

Do We Take God at His Word? Do we bank on His promises? Do we cling to Him with a stick-to-it-iveness? Like Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego. “If God delivers us fine, if not fine, but we trust the one true God and we won’t bow down to your stupid statue.”

Now the Psalmist has to get others to trust in God’s forgiving nature! His voice alone isn’t enough! He goes and get’s the whole nation (v. 7-8).

Do we invite others to worship God for His attributes? Do we tell them of his attributes? Don’t they need forgiveness too? Don’t they need mercy too? 

He Redeems Israel! (Who once was called Jacob)! What beauty for this name to appear here. Jacob was the trickster who’s name was changed by God to Israel. Jacob was the one who was unworthy of the promise, but was the choice of God. Jacob was redeemed, had his sins forgiven, waited on the LORD. We too shall be redeemed if we come through Christ! We too should sing his praises!

PRAYER

Father, Thank you for your incredible grace that extends to even the depths of my problems. I have often been caught in the undertow taken deeper into my sin than I ever wanted to God and you have rescued me. You have heard my prayer. You have given me more grace and help than I have ever deserved. Let me take you at your word today. Trust in your promises. Wait on your deliverance and even entice others to sing of your goodness! You are worthy of all worship and praise! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

I’m reading and blogging the Psalms Through The Summer. I’d love for you to join me. You can find out a little more here.