I overlook the awesome privilege of approaching the Lord of the Universe. I cannot call up any world leader for a conversation, I can’t drive down to Denver and drop in on the governor, and I need an appointment just to see a banker, even though it’s my money in their bank.

But no scheduling necessary with the Lord. The psalmist prayed, 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.

Such a hopeful perspective, or rather, a hopeful reality. From the Lord we find forgiveness, and thanks to that forgiveness we can, with deference and knowledge of our status, turn our lives in his direction.

Later the psalmist urges us to put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.

We pray to the Lord, then we wait for the Lord to act upon our behalf. No one else may return my calls, but with the Lord I’m never on hold. Out of whatever depths I find myself in, I can cry out to the Lord. My situation may not change to my liking, but I know he hears, and I find that incredibly hopeful.

Psalm 130 in reading the Bible in 2023

Photo by Daniel Burka