A pilgrimage song.
130 I cry out to you from the depths, Lord—
2 my Lord, listen to my voice!
Let your ears pay close attention to my request for mercy!
3 If you kept track of sins, Lord—
my Lord, who would stand a chance?
4 But forgiveness is with you—
that’s why you are honored.
5 I hope, Lord.
My whole being[a] hopes,
and I wait for God’s promise.
6 My whole being waits for my Lord—
more than the night watch waits for morning;
yes, more than the night watch waits for morning!
Reflection
Psalm 130 is categorized as both a Pilgrimage Song and a Lament. As with most of the Pilgrimage Psalms this one has verses that are easy to memorize and to repeat as you are walking. The words Crying, Hoping and Waiting are words we all can relate to at some time in our lives, especially on a long journey. They are words that conjure images of despair that we
have all experienced at some time in our lives. The familiar lament “Are we there yet?” has been uttered by people of all ages. In Psalm 130 we hear more than just longing for the trip to end. This pilgrim is searching! He or She is searching, longingly, for the presence of the Lord in his/her life to lift them out of the depths of suffering. Apparently, he/she has been suffering
for a long, long period of time and they are hoping not to wait much longer for the Lord’s guidance. We can hear the utter frustration and pain in this long-suffering servant who is waiting but there is also the comfort of knowing that the Lord will lift them from the depths of hopelessness as assuredly the sun will rise in the morning.
Didja’ ever have one of those days? I surely have! When worry after worry seems to get piled on you… When one thing after another goes wrong… When one thing after another is added to the ‘to do” list… When you go to bed and cannot fall asleep because of things swirling through your brain… When those worries enter your dreams, and you cannot escape them even when you finally get to sleep. Surely you know the feeling. Didja’ ever have one of those days?
Music has always been my comfort when I find myself in that place. I have used music to ease my worries even as a young person. Confession time: When I was a teenager my favorite musician was Elvis Presley. As we downsized over the years our record collection found a home with our oldest son, and he has assured me that he still has even those old Elvis records. As I was reflecting on Psalm 130 the phrase “Didja’ Ever” jogged my memory of a song by the same name that Elvis sang in “GI Blues.” (Feel free to find it on YouTube). My taste in music has changed dramatically since those days and I’m much more likely to be listening to
“Soundscapes” or Celtic tunes as I move through any worries or concerns. Contemplative prayer has become a regular companion as I listen for God’s guidance when I face a sleepless night.
by Kathleen Stolz
For Pondering and Prayer
As I ponder Psalm 130 I am particularly drawn to verse 6: “My whole being waits for the Lord – more than the night watch waits for morning; YES, more than the night watch waits for morning!” The term “Night Watch” has ancient roots both scripturally and throughout history. Night Watch is the division of the night into military watches instead of hours, each watch representing a period for which sentinels remained on duty. Still today, “Nightwatch” serves in the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Military Command System for the President, the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The “night watch” stays awake while others sleep, prepared to wake others in case of a disaster. The Night Watch knows that the sun will rise in the morning and everything will look brighter. In spiritual terms we know that our Creator is in control and that even when we are in the pits of darkness God will hear our laments and be with us. What brings you comfort from
worries that keep you awake at night? How do you calm those fears that sometimes multiply as your day goes on?
Prayer: Great Beacon of Light and Hope, we look to you for forgiveness and peace in our busy days and sleepless nights. When darkness and chaos leave us feeling unsettled, lift our spirits with music that calms and quiets our minds and hearts. Remind us that we are not alone; that you know our burdens even before we name them and help us to carry them as we journey. Amen.