4 Reasons You Have Hope in God's Word
Hope in the Lord's word (Psalm 130).
Psalm 130 is a beautiful psalm exalting our hope in God’s word.
The psalmist reveals four areas in which God’s people have hope based on what He has told us in His word.
God’s Word Says, “I Hear You” (Psalm 130:1-2)
A Song of Ascents. Out of the depths I have cried to You, O LORD; Lord, hear my voice! Let Your ears be attentive To the voice of my supplications.
He hears us when we call to Him from the dark places in life (v. 1).
This psalm takes us from the “deep dark waters” (v. 1) to the mountaintop of “hope in the Lord” (v. 8).
The “depths” could picture the darkness of sin and the guilt we feel when we have sinned against God. The “depths” could also picture the trials and sufferings we face in this life because of sin entering this world (Genesis 3:16-19).
Notice that the psalmist turns to the Lord and cries out to Him from the “deep, dark waters.” If you feel like you are drowning and being crushed by your sin and guilt, you need to turn to the Lord. Or, if you are suffering through the lonely darkness of some trial or difficulty, take that before the Lord.
He hears us when we ask for help (v. 2).
The Lord pays careful attention to those who call out to Him for help, who bow before Him requesting His kindness and compassion.
Near the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, a man who was literally sitting in darkness cried out to Jesus for mercy and Jesus showed Him kindness (Luke 18:35-43). Another time, Jesus was moved with compassion for the distressed and downcast people who came to Him (Matthew 9:35-36).
God’s word gives us hope because He tells us that He hears us when we cry out to Him from a “deep dark place” (Psalm 18:4-6).
God’s Word Says, “I Forgive You” (Psalm 130:3-4)
If You, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, That You may be feared.
None of us deserve to stand before Him (v. 3).
If the Lord were to forever keep track and take note of every sin we commit, then the psalmist says, “Then who could stand before the Lord?” The Bible is clear that no one is righteous (Romans 3:9-18), that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23) and all deserve death (Romans 6:23).
When we cry out to God for help, He does not hear us because we deserve to be heard – He hears us because He is the God of all comfort and “full of mercy” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
He forgives us so that we may fear Him (v. 4).
Thanks be to God that He doesn’t forever keep track of our sins – He is willing to forgive, or pardon, us of our sins. While God offers forgiveness to us freely, that doesn’t mean it comes cheap.
God forgives sinners by the blood of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7). The cleansing blood of Jesus Christ is applied to our account when we are immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Revelation 1:5). By continuing to walk with Him in the light, Jesus’ blood keeps on cleansing us of our sins (1 John 1:6-7).
He offers us forgiveness, not so we can live any way we please, but so we can fear and serve Him (Romans 6).
God’s word gives us hope because although none who have sinned deserve to stand before Him, He graciously offers us forgiveness so we can stand before Him (Revelation 22:3-5).
God’s Word Says, “I Won’t Disappoint You” (Psalm 130:5-6)
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope. My soul waits for the Lord More than those who watch for the morning—Yes, more than those who watch for the morning.
Our reliance upon the Lord is based on our confidence in His word (v. 5).
To “wait” for the Lord means to “bind together.” It is reliance upon Him, trusting in Him, tying ourselves to Him. And our reliance upon Him is based on the confident expectation we have in His word.
His word lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:22-25), so we are trusting in that which will not pass away, which will not fail (Isaiah 55:10-11).
Our reliance upon the Lord anticipates a better tomorrow (v. 6).
The night watchmen would stand guard at their posts throughout the night – and you can imagine how they looked forward to the dawn. Those of you who have worked the night shift before understand the anticipation of a long night shift approaching its end.
Christians look forward to the “dawn” when our Lord returns and we go to be with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).
God’s word give us hope because He will not disappoint us, and we can look forward to the eternal tomorrow with the Son of God (2 Peter 1:19).
God’s Word Says, “I Will Save You” (Psalm 130:7-8)
O Israel, hope in the LORD; For with the LORD there is mercy, And with Him is abundant redemption. And He shall redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
His salvation demonstrates His faithful love for us (v. 7).
Why should God’s people “wait” or “hope” in the Lord? Why should you rely upon Him and place your trust in Him?
Because with Him there is mercy or “steadfast love” and “abundant deliverance.”
God’s love and salvation abound through the sending of His Son (John 3:16-17) to die for us (Romans 5:6-9).
His salvation demonstrates His power over sin (v. 8).
Earlier, the psalmist said that if the Lord kept track of every sin, no one would be able to stand before Him (v. 3). But God is to be thanked that He offers us forgiveness or pardon through His Son. Forgiveness is offered for “all sins” through Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:9-11).
We sing a song sometimes that includes the words, “My God is Mighty to Save!” – and the conclusion of this psalm emphasizes that truth.
Think of the sin from your past that comes up in your memory sometimes, the one that still haunts you to this day – the Lord even delivers you from that sin! God be praised!
God’s word gives us hope because God tells us of His love (His willingness to save us) and His power (His ability to save us) regarding our salvation.
I hope you have renewed hope and trust in God’s word.
If you have been going through a tough time in your life, God’s word offers you comfort and reassures you that God hears your cries and cares for you. If you are lost in sin or struggling with sin, God’s word offers your forgiveness and salvation.
Turn to God – He offers you hope through His word.
Amen!