Getting Started
In the midst of college, it's easy to become distracted. From chapter meetings, to class, to work, we find ourselves just trying to survive, rather than thrive. The reality is, we lose our purpose. The psalmist here demonstrates four things we must recognize in our lives: our need (v. 1-3), our purpose (v. 4), our hope (v. 5-6), and our future (v. 7-8). It is not until we recognize these things, that we will thrive in our relationship with Jesus.
Psalm 130
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.
3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.
7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Questions to Consider
- What is the psalmist's response to meditation on his sin? Why does he respond this way?
- In what does the psalmist put his hope?
- Why do you think the psalmist is waiting so anxiously?
- How might your life change if you live in the fullness of the redemption offered to you by God?
- If God forgives us so that we can serve him with reverence, what does that look like for you to serve your brothers and sisters, even this summer?
Closing Reflection
The psalmist is broken by his sin, especially coming before a Holy God who has done so much to provide for and redeem him. But, he knows that in spite of his unfaithfulness, he serves a faithful God in whom he puts all of his hope. As people who live in the reality of Jesus' life, death and resurrection, we know that our hope is entirely secure in Christ. "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). The psalmist did not get to meet Jesus on earth, but instead had to wait for the promised Messiah. We get to know the fullness of our redemption in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our precious Lord and Savior.
If we never recognize our need, we will never accept a Savior.
If we don't know our purpose, we can never strive toward it.
If we don't understand the assurance of our hope, we will live in anxiety and despair.
Understanding our desperate dependence upon God, the purpose with which he has created us, and the confident hope we have will lead us to rejoice in our coming future. Right now, we get to serve in joy and hope in our chapters, all the while patiently waiting for the coming glory of being united with our loving Father!
---
