Summer in the Psalms – Week Five

Who likes waiting? I certainly don’t! However, there are definitely times when waiting is worth it. In fact, waiting can build anticipation and expectation that actually increases the value of whatever we are waiting for.

When it comes to waiting, we are much more likely to wait on someone or something that has proven worth. We will add ourselves to a waiting list for services that assist us or add value to our life such as a home contractor, a doctor, or a helpful product. On the other hand, we are much less likely to wait for anything that doesn’t add value or has little predictability.

This week we are continuing our Summer in the Psalms series by looking at Psalm 130. Today’s psalm paints the picture of the role of an ancient watchman. These watchmen served both to guard an area during the vulnerabilities of night and to announce the dawn of day. Each night, the watchman would be waiting for the morning because the morning signaled a new day, the safety of daylight, and the end of their shift.

Listen to how the Bible connects our relationship to God to the watchman’s interactions with the morning light, “I wait for the LORD, my soul does wait, and in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the LORD more than the watchman for the morning; indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning.” (Psalm 130:5-6 NASB)

For a watchman, it was never a question if morning would come. In a world with a lot of unpredictability, one thing that has never changed is that the sun rises every morning. Even in the winter when there was less daylight or on a night when the city was attacked by enemies, the watchman knew without a doubt that morning was on the way.

Even more predictable than the sun coming up every day is the assurance that we can trust the One who made the sun. When we face dark seasons, insecurities, or instabilities, we can wait on God with hope. God never changes. He is always there. And when we seek Him, we will always find Him.

The opening and closing of Psalm 130 point us to the reason we can wait on God with hope. The psalmist asks the question, “If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3) The obvious answer is no one. The psalm continues, “But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared.” (Psalm 130:4)

I love how the book of Hebrews describes this forgiveness we find in Jesus. Jesus experienced death in order that, “He might render powerless him who had the power of death, that is the devil, and might free those who through fear of death were subject to slavery all their lives.” (Hebrews 2:14-15) Jesus has rescued us from the power of the devil and the fear of death.

It is because of this redemption through Jesus that we can seek God. Without forgiveness, there is not a single human being who could stand before God, however, because He offers forgiveness we have the opportunity to enter into His presence.

Just like the watchman who confidently waited for the morning, we can confidently put our hope in God. Listen again to the psalmist words, “Hope in the LORD; for with the LORD there is lovingkindness, and with Him is abundant redemption.” (Psalm 130:7)

If you are in a season when you are struggling to wait on God, today is the day to refresh, renew, and re-center. Remember, you can wait on God with confidence. Why? Not because God will do everything you want Him to or because He will fix all your problems, but because He is your Redeemer. He is your Creator. And He loves you with an everlasting love. This is where your hope lies.

So today, look to Him. Wait on Him. And know He is there. He loves you. And He will never forsake you.