"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."

Psalm 130:5-7

In this Psalm, verses 1 and 2 are a desperate plea to be heard. Verses 5 and 6 have the theme of wait … wait … wait … wait. Verses 7 and 8 bring the reassuring news that redemption comes from God’s love. What of verses 3 and 4, though? There is a dramatic contrast. Verse 3 paints a stark picture of humanity’s sinful nature, barring us from relationship with God, whereas verse 4 reveals the wonder of forgiveness offered to us, so we might not merely stand in God’s presence, but are allowed to be part of his team.

However, we can sense a different flow to this psalm. We can recognize our failings all too easily (vv. 1, 2) and know the theological truth of God’s forgiveness (vv. 3, 4). Yet it doesn’t necessarily come immediately (vv. 5, 6). We sometimes have to wait, if we are fully to experience God’s work in us. Our hope, however, is positive and active, because we know it will happen, just as the sun always rises. It happens, unfailing and fully (v. 7).

Closing Prayer

Lord God, you have proven your faithfulness—help me to remember that you hear my every prayer and you always answer. Help me to trust in your promises and to wait on you with patience and confidence.