Saturday 19 January, 2019

1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. 3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you. 5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. 7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. 8 He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins.

What a beautiful prayer by a person who has confidence and patience to trust the LORD to hear and forgive. The picture I get is of restoration (v4).

Waiting can be hard. Waiting for God to act to bring something to pass or to give us wisdom or an answer to prayer is also sometimes not easy. The image of “the watchmen waiting for morning” helps me understand why I have to wait for Him to speak or reveal his plans. The watchmen wait expectantly, and stay alert, anticipating danger or attack. When the sun begins to break through, dangers or threats are clearly visible. So it is when God responds to my cry for help. His plan for me, which I couldn’t see, becomes clear.

What stops me from waiting on God? This could be fear, impatience, trusting in my own wisdom, stopping praying. But instead confidence in my loving God (v3-4) casts out fear, patience in God’s perfect timing overcomes impatience, and remembering that my hope comes not from my wisdom or experience but from the unshakeable word of God (v5) helps me not to trust in my own solutions.

It comes down to humility, knowing God will respond and at the right time. I have seen this powerfully in my life this year. It sure wasn’t an easy road, but he strengthened me to continue the journey as I waited on Him.

Dear Heavenly Father, I know you are listening because you love me. You have shown me this in Jesus dying in my place. Thank you for growing my faith as I wait on you. Amen.

Written by Claire Moore