Mid-Week Musings

June 5, 2024

Suggested Reading: Psalm 130:1-8

Dear NBRC Family & Friends,

The title of the sermon on Sunday morning, June 9, 2024, will be Waiting in Hope. The Scripture lesson will be from Psalm 130:1-8.

The Book of Psalms consists of different styles or genres of psalms and not each psalm fits neatly into only one style or genre. Psalm 130 is one of those that doesn’t.

As “A Song of Ascents,” it can be read as a psalm that Jewish pilgrims likely sang on their way up to Jerusalem to celebrate one of the religious festivals. It might have been sung as they ascended to the temple. Read this way, this psalm invites us to consider how we prepare ourselves, including mentally and spiritually, for coming to God’s house to worship and to encounter Him. Because the psalmist speaks of iniquities, God’s forgiveness, and of His power to redeem, Psalm 130 can also be considered among the Penitential Psalms. Read this way, this psalm invites us to consider our individual sin, the sin of humanity, and God’s willingness to forgive and His power to redeem.

Following are some things to consider as you reflect on Psalm 130 and as you prepare for the upcoming sermon.

• Have you cried out to God “out of the depths”? If you have, what was that experience like for you?

• Have you ever cried out to God and felt as if He didn’t hear you?

• In verses 1 and 2, do you think the psalmist is certain or uncertain that God will hear and be attentive?

• What do you think the psalmist means in verse six?

• What reasons does the psalmist give in verses five and six for hoping in the Lord?

• What does it mean to wait for God?

I hope the above reflections help you in your walk with the Lord and in your preparation for the sermon on the 9th !

Pastor Ron

Prayer suggestion: As you pray, ask God to help you wait for Him.