September 27, 2022

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.

If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning,
More than watchmen wait for the morning.

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Psalm 130

Devotional

Over the centuries, Psalm 130 has been set to beautiful music:

1. Out of the Deep (John Rutter)
2. I Will Wait for You (Shane & Shane)
3. I Will Wait for You (Keith and Kristin Getty)

But as I re-read this familiar Psalm, something new jumps out at me: how many times do I realize that God is with me in what might otherwise be a fearful experience?

“With You there is forgiveness…”

“With the Lord is unfailing love…”

“With Him is full redemption…”

God is at work when I cry for mercy due to something I have done wrong—that’s a clear understanding, given that the next verse talks about sins and forgiveness. And His forgiveness occurs, why? So that we can continue to serve Him.

I wait for God to act on behalf of my restoration. I wait firmly, knowing that His word is true. I can wait through the darkest night, more steadfastly than those remarkable sailors and soldiers who guarded over Queen Elizabeth’s funeral procession.

God is the only One who can and will redeem His people from their sins, so we stay with Him. He is EVER with us. He does not keep a record of our wrongs (1 Cor 13:5), but rather heals us, sustains us and walks with us in our life with Him.

For Reflection

How can I sense God with me, right now?

How can I stay in God’s presence today?

Prayer

Mighty and merciful God, thank you for being with me, now and always. Even in my sinful ways, you are redeeming my life. Thank you for your forgiveness and for your unfailing love, to keep me with you. Amen.