WAITING (Psalm 130)

An orchard in waiting mode last fall, to come in bloom sometime in April

(Part of an ongoing series on the 48 psalms commended to study during times of "feeling down," from pastor-counselor David Seamands' book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.)

Sometimes our “feeling down” is of our own doing. We clutch sinful actions, words, or thoughts to our hearts, thinking that they’re not that big a deal to God.  Or maybe He won’t even notice them. The problem is that any sin is an offense to God. If sin wasn’t such a bad thing, why did Jesus die?

Okay, that’s the heavy part, the “sighing” over the condition of our hearts. Psalm 130 is like a tape recording of owning up to sin and seeking forgiveness. It begins with a writer so burdened by sin that he feels sinking into depths. Could God possibly hear a cry for mercy, as far down as he (or she) has sunk?  If God has a sin-ledger book, there’s no hope.  The writer cries out, “If you, O Lord, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand?” (v. 3).

SIN CATALOG

Years ago I read a poignant illustration of this—a tale in which a person was taken to a room crammed with what looked like old-fashioned card-catalogue files. As he opened each drawer and thumbed through the cards, he saw each bore a description of a sin in his life. Card after card condemned. He sunk to the floor in despair and tears….until a nail-scarred, blood-marked Hand rubbed across each card, erasing it. “But with you,” the psalmist continued, “there is forgiveness” (v. 4).

Yet the psalmist isn’t totally sure of total forgiveness.  The end of verse 4 says, “therefore you are feared.”  He waits for assurance that God forgives and for his fellowship with God to be restored. It’s a long night of wondering, like that which ancient guards faced while walking the city walls during the dark of night, watching and listening for any enemy action nearby. It was tiring duty. No wonder they were glad to see the sunrise!

“My soul waits for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.” (v. 6)

WAITING IN THE DARK

I remember long "night watches" with a fussy baby or sick child. Time crawled while rocking that child in the darkness. Dawn seeped in so slowly and I wondered if new hope will come with the first glimpse of sunlight. This is the psalmist’s situation. Imagine, having to wait and wait—and wonder—if God will forgive your sins.

In the last couple verses, he affirms that God can and will forgive, offering “full redemption” (v. 7) from “all their sins” (v. 8).

Confession of sin is serious business—both confession to God and to people who’ve been hurt by sin. A quickie remark or note, when the offense was deep and wounding, doesn't mean much to the person who was hurt. In contrast, personal and specific confession with an obvious grief for named offenses--not a generic "sorry I got mad" note--shows that the offender wants his or her request to be taken seriously. *(See note below)

After reading and mulling over Psalm 130, turn to Hebrews 10:19-25. That passage puts the Gospel perspective—the atoning death of Jesus Christ—on the Old Testament view of sin. When we’re in the depths, calling out to God, there’s a new hope:

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (vv. 22-23).

When we’re honest about our sin, God doesn’t put our call “on hold.”  The calls of the believer serious about confession and spiritual change go right through to Him. And that’s great reason for hope and joy.

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*Although it doesn't quote scripture, I found the site below to be basically Biblical in approach regarding how to ask forgiveness. It underscores the importance of personal apologies with their revealing body language and voice tone. In contrast, the easier-sent note or E-mail, which spare the offender "face" or embarrassment, are far less likely to produce the sorrow needed to change negative behavior. 

https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-for-Forgiveness

IF (Psalm 124)

The trash bin at a local thrift store had this warning--maybe to keep

people from getting entrapped in it!

(Part of an ongoing series on the 48 psalms commended to study during times of "feeling down," from pastor-counselor David Seamands' book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.)

Flash flood!  I’ve never lived where flash flooding rated national front-page news, but our arid valley has endured a few minor-league floods. Decades ago, one sedate stream turned into a death machine, killing people in a hotel on its banks. A few years ago, a severe storm turned the street a few blocks away, into an angry brown river. Israel, similarly an arid land, is also known for flash floods that its usually dry wadis cannot handle. That’s the picture King David provides in Psalm 124 as he seeks ways to illustrate how God is our Help when we feel inundated by life’s problems and threats. The opening word, “if,” emphasizes how they depended on God for victory:

If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel say—if the Lord had not been on our side when men attacked us….they would have swallowed us alive. (vv. 1-3)

Context matters in Bible study, and this one is believed to have been inspired by one of King David’s more challenging battles against the Philistines. Recorded in 2 Samuel 5:17-25, it tells how David’s army prevailed in what threatened to be a “flash flood” of intense fighting (Psalm 124:4-5).

TRAPS

Though probably written in different historical settings, Psalms 123 and 124 are linked in subject matter. Psalm 123 speaks of verbal oppression (ridicule and contempt form the oppressor). Psalm 124 goes to all-out attacks—maybe not sword to shield, but demeaning choices meant to overwhelm us, like a flood. Then, as if to be sure he covers all the bases of spiritual attack, David throws in the image of a bird trap:

We have escaped like a bird out of the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. (v. 7).

The psalm doesn’t give a clue as to how “meaty” those snared birds were, but the entrapped birds didn’t have a chance. The apostle Peter picked up on that image when he said Satan prowls around like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). David’s saying that God cares so much for us that He reaches down and releases those dangerous traps. How does that translate to real life, and real days when the negatives get you down?  These truths, I believe:

*No overwhelming flood of problems is too overwhelming for God.

*No entrapment by someone’s negative words or actions is outside God’s power. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ broke the power of the trap!

The psalm ends on a note of praise, as well it should—and as well we should do as an antidote to prolonged complaints about negative circumstances:

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.(v. 8)

Do you hear an echo from Psalm 121:2?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

It’s said that French Protestants in the late 18^th century opened every public worship service with this verse. If you have a spot to post inspirational verses, consider displaying this one. If (there’s that important word again!) you feel attacked or entrapped, it’s a reminder that our omniscient, omnipresent, all-powerful God is adequate for any discouraging challenge out there.

WATCHFUL (Psalm 123)

"Saddlerock"--a popular hiking destination in our valley--is 

said to be an old volcanic neck and definitely (with its prominence)

a sight we "look up" to!

(Part of an ongoing series of the 48 psalms commended for times of "feeling down," from pastor/counselor Dr. David Seamand's book, Healing for Damaged Emotions.)

This psalm makes me think of the arrogant king in the musical/film “The King and I.”  His arms crossed in a position of power, he was tended to by servants who watched for some hand signal (was it snapped fingers?) to tend to his needs. When this psalm was composed, it likely referred to the Jews under Babylonian captivity, when many were slaves to the wealthy or political leaders. The Jewish servants—male or female—constantly had to watch for the hand signals that indicated what they had to do.

The analogy is right in the opening words:

I lift up my eyes to you, to you whose throne is in heaven. (v. 1)

In Psalm 121, the believer looked to “the hills”—presumably the location of the holy city of Jerusalem or further skyward in aspiring to the invisible God who is “high and lifted up.” But Psalm 123 is more intimate, and thus more encouraging for times when discouraging circumstances drag us down. I pick that up from the two key words of this psalm: “eyes” and “mercy.”  With our spiritual eyes we watch for mercy and help in trying times.

TRYING TIMES

The psalm describes these “trying times” as enduring “much ridicule from the proud…much contempt from the arrogant” (v. 4). If this psalm reflects the trials of Jews who returned to rebuild Jerusalem after their 70-year captivity in Babylon, that’s a good description of what happened. The books of Nehemiah and Ezra show it wasn’t a smooth transition. Through those ancient stories come the lessons that apply to our own trials from another's grudges, bitterness, or unkind actions.

The very first verse offers the key instruction for times when we feel put down and discouraged: “I lift up my eyes to you.”  Lifting our spiritual eyes to God cancels the “lower vision” of discouraging trials. The author of Hebrews took this analogy to Christ’s example:

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:2-3)

In its purest distillation, this verse says: “Jesus understands. He endured the worst of it.” If that’s not enough, remember the seasoned counsel of John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. In his letters, believed written in very old age, he couldn’t find enough words to describe the Lord’s love:

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are! (1 John 3:1)

We’re not stuck in the throne room of an earthly palace, on constant edge for the whims of a potentate. Nor do we need to live on “edge” for events or people who threaten our security. Those who are “children of God” can look to His throne and rejoice in being secure and loved. For times of “feeling down,” it’s the best perspective-changer ever.

PROTECTED (PSALM 121)

My mother, whose hobbies included oil-painting, did this art of

Mount Rainier for me. A few months later she died of cancer.

I know I’m in trouble when I lapse into the thinking that “it’s just me against the world.” When I feel overwhelmed by negative people or circumstances, I’m in a downward spiral—until I look spiritually “up”…to God.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. (121:1-2)

I don’t lift my eyes to the “ills”—the problems—but to the higher, invisible presence of God.

Some of my reminders to do that come from paintings or photos in my home of Mount Rainier, the 14,000-feet-plus snow-capped, sleeping volcano that squats above the valley where I grew up. In that area’s rainy climate, it wasn’t always visible. But on sunny days, if I went to the end of the street to peek between rooftops, I could see it and report back home, “The mountain is out.” I’m aware that scientists say it could, like Mount St. Helens, cause great damage and loss of life if it ever erupted. Still, whenever I read the opening words of Psalm 121, in my memory I “look to the hills” (and this mountain) because my human tendency in thinking of God is to look “up.” In doing so, I remember that Christ ascended into heaven, wherever that is in the mystery of God.

When I learned that Psalm 121 was one of the psalms “of ascent,” sung by pilgrims headed to Jerusalem (“up” in the hills), I better understood why it referred to the “hills.” These people, traveling to their Holy City, were looking “to the hills” for the first evidence of Jerusalem’s temple. The primitive route there, however, harbored risk. Besides harsh weather, snakes and other animal dangers, they were vulnerable to bandits. But they focused instead on what was ahead: the religious celebrations and reunions with other God-followers. These would remind them that their true help wasn’t in rituals but from their Creator God.

WATCHED

Five times the psalmist refers to God as watching us. He watches us instead of “sleeping” (vv. 3-4) He watches as a protective shade (v. 5). He watches out for possible harm to us (v. 7), and our comings and goings (v. 8). Does that mean bad things will never happen?  Of course not. We experienced “harm” when involved in two serious auto wrecks caused by drivers who were allegedly drinking or just plain careless. But was God there? Of course! In the midst of the frantic and scary stuff, He hadn’t left us.

Paul experienced that through many life-threatening situations—stonings, mob attacks, bandits, intrigue, shipwreck (check out the list in 2 Corinthians 11)--yet left this golden verse in his letter to the Philippians:

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Bandits called discouragement and doubt still hide behind the boulders of life’s journey. They’re “bandits” because they want to take away what is most precious to us, and that is peace with God. Depression can slither in from such attacks. At such times I need to get my eyes off the rocks in the path and up to the destination: of communion with the God whose ultimate goal is fellowship now and forevermore (v. 8).

LOVING-KINDNESS! (Psalm 118)

This trellis arch of climbing roses is a summer delight--

and a reminder that His banner over me is love.

(Part of an ongoing series on the 48 psalms commended for study during times of feeling "down," from pastor/counselor David Seamands' book, Healing for Damaged Emotions)

Critical, demeaning, abusive--enduring such behaviors inevitably contributes to feeling emotionally and spiritually down. But Psalm 118 tries to define the healing potion, a quality that’s spelled chesed or hesed in Hebrew and requires many English words to define. The common one is “loving-kindness,” but in reference to God it embraces His steadfast love, grace, mercy, faithfulness, goodness and devotion.  Want a challenge? Trying writing a hymn about that!

Surprise: someone did, and it’s found in Psalm 118. Five times (1-4 and 29) it proclaims:

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love [chesed] endures forever.

BIG THANKS

Scholars believe Psalm 118 was composed around 400 B.C. when an estimated 50,000 Jews returned from seven decades of Babylonian captivity, only to find their homeland and its crown city, Jerusalem, in ruins. First, they put up a worship structure. It wasn’t as glorious as what Solomon had built, but it gave them a worship center. Later, with Nehemiah's leadership, they restored the walls that provided safety to the city.

Psalm 118 was also composed with public worship in mind.  Its repeated phrases suggest how a worship leader, chorus, and common people all had a part in what might be tagged a responsive “liturgy.” As a child growing up in a liturgical church, I participated in this ancient practice. When this "responsive" or liturgical psalm was introduced centuries ago, no doubt its inclusion in worship brought vibrant and enthusiastic participation. I can almost hear the worship leader’s voice ringing out the first phrase and the hundreds of worshippers shouting back the end of it. Wow.

What’s this have to do with getting through depression? This: that worship gets our eyes off our negative circumstances and onto the praiseworthy chesed of God. Psalm 118 reminds us to find joy in what the Lord has done. Choosing joy means refusing to harp about the trivialities until they grow into trials and despair.

BIG IDEAS

Besides such long, liturgical prayers, God hears short, desperate, and bold prayers. “In my anguish,” the psalmist said, “I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free. The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” (vv 5-6). God doesn’t necessarily snap His fingers and take away problems, but He promises to be our Refuge and Helper. Four times the psalmist speaks of calling on “the Name of the Lord” (vv. 10-12, 26). To do so is not some magic trick, but a deliberate turning over a problem to Him as capable of handling it.

The psalm also looked prophetically forward to a Messiah. When Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, people heralded Him with waving palm branches and chanting the words of Psalm 118:26:

Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord!

A few days later they would yell, “Crucify him.” Yet all was part of God’s plan to bridge the sin-gap between Himself and humans. We know now that the psalmist’s remark about the rejected stone becoming the critical temple “capstone” really referred to Jesus Christ. The cross put the last essential piece in place.

Trials will come in this life. Sometimes they’ll really knock us down:

I was pushed back and about to fall… (v. 13a)

But hang onto the “but”:

 ….but the LORD helped me. The Lord has become my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.(vv.13b-14)

And all of that goes back to God’s chesed. He loves us more than we can imagine. Even the days we feel less than celebratory, He waits. The celebration parade, with a risen Jesus at the front, will happen. Count on it.