Thursday 01 December 2011

Background

Psalm 130 is one of fifteen psalms to be given the title 'A songof ascents' (which includes Psalms 120-134). Many believed thatthese were so named because they would be sung by people going upto Jerusalem on pilgrim festivals or by priests as they ascendedsteps to minister at the temple in Jerusalem.

This psalm itself also carefully moves the pray-ers (or singers)from one spiritual place to another. The psalmist begins by cryingout to God, desperate in a place of trouble. It's the psalmequivalent of "Wake up, God! Listen to what's going on in my life!Hear my troubles! Pay attention!"

Then, in verses 3-4 he affirms God's identity as the one who hasthe power and authority to hold our sins against us, but whosemercy and forgiveness can be relied upon. This is followed bywaiting for God to shape up in verses 5-6 - even though thepsalmist has heard nothing from God in this dire situation, heknows who God is and, because of that, he trusts that God will comethrough for him. He yearns to see God "more than those who watchfor the morning" and God's word sustains him in that place ofuncertainty.

In the final verses, even though help has not yet reached ourfaithful psalmist, we see his hope dawn like a new day. Not onlydoes he believe that God will rescue him from his predicament, heknows it and he calls on the whole of Israel to trust in God'spower and unfailing love.

This passage beautifully illustrates (as many psalms do) the way inwhich prayer can transport us spiritually, even when our worldlycircumstances remain unchanged. When we open ourselves to God'spresence, we walk away from that encounter changed.

To Ponder

What do you think prayer is for? Where does ittake you?

Are you the same person at the end of prayer thanyou are at the beginning? Or how have you changed? Why?

When God seems silent, to what extent do you findreading the Bible comforting?

How patient are you? Are you good at waiting?