I wait for the Lord; my soul waits; and in his word I hope. – Psalm 130:5
In the depths of winter, especially in the northernmost parts of the country, the cold and dreary darkness of the days pushes anticipation of the coming Spring to the forefront of one’s mind. The hope is that it will come soon.
The psalmist of today’s verse cries from the depths, the depths of deep distress due to sin, a painful and piercing conviction of a transgression against God. He understands that if God were only holy and just God, no one could stand before Him (v. 3). And yet, where there should be punishment, the Lord offers forgiveness. In His mercy, by His grace, and through His love, those who turn to Him in repentance receive pardon.
The response should be an overwhelming sense of awe – a fear of God that produces thankfulness for His love and an incentive to obey His commands. The psalmist encourages you to wait upon the Lord with hope in His Word. Hope is anticipation that God will fulfill His promises. His Word gives evidence that He is trustworthy. As commentator Warren Wiersbe states, “The forgiven sinner is content to wait on the Lord for whatever He has planned for that day. This is not the waiting of hopeless resignation but of hopeful anticipation, for each new day brings new blessings from His hand.”
As the new month begins, ask the Lord to show you any area in life you have not turned over to Him. Focus on the hope you have in God, the peace He gives you as He forgives with love. Then, pray for those in this nation who have yet to hope in the Lord and reap the benefits of His love.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Micah 7:18-20
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity
and passing over transgression
for the remnant of his inheritance?
He does not retain his anger forever,
because he delights in steadfast love.
19 He will again have compassion on us;
he will tread our iniquities underfoot.
You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea.
20 You will show faithfulness to Jacob
and steadfast love to Abraham,
as you have sworn to our fathers
from the days of old.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
