Psalm 130

Reading for September 8, 2012            Psalm 130

In Eastern Orthodox churches, and in the monastic tradition, several periods of time are set aside each day for prayer. The Psalms are the framework for most of the prayers and some psalms are used repeatedly. Psalm 130 is one of those psalms, and it is even used several times each day. This psalm is recited at the close of the day in evening vespers as well as in individual prayers offered in memory of believers who have died. “I have put my hope in his word” writes the psalmist, and as we remember those who have died, there is no better word than those Jesus spoke from the cross, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Psalm 130:5b, Luke 23:43).

At the heart of this psalm is a deep recognition of sin. The psalmist knows the only hope for his guilt is the Lord’s forgiveness. The guilt of the psalmist causes him to fall into despair; however, his hope in God brings relief. This hope is so profound that Bible translators struggle to translate the ground of his hope expressed in verse 7. The translations have included, “mercy, unfailing love, steadfast love, faithful love, loving-kindness, and grace.” The Apostle Paul often spoke of the riches of God’s mercy and grace that is the ground of our hope to rest in the saving work of Jesus: “For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins” (Colossians 1:13-14).

When we grasp the depth of our sin, we can rejoice in the promise of Jesus,

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 5:3

Sē’lah

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What word or phrase in today’s reading of the Psalms

 attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

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Reading for September 9, 2012            Psalm 131