In Psalm 130 the Psalmist, in “the depths,” cries out to God. Then in :5 he says: “in His word do I hope”. In “the depths” of our own particular situations, we should do the same thing: put our hope in God’s word. Sometimes people talk about how God has given them a specific “word” of scripture to “hang their hat” on, and trust in for their situation. But what if He doesn’t give you a word like that?
If you walk with God every day in His word and prayer, but you don’t receive a specific “word” for your situation, then you still have a “word” from Him: you have all the promises He has ALREADY given you in scripture. For example, you can claim:
— that God is GOOD (Psalm 100:5) You know He is not doing something evil to you, for He is a good and holy God. He is up to something good in the end.
— that God is causing ALL THINGS to work together for good (Romans 8:28). That includes “the depths” that you find yourself in right now.
— that He is in the business of MOLDING you to be more like Jesus: “Whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son.” (Romans 8:29).
— that your purpose in EVERYTHING is the same: to glorify God: “Whether then you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (I Corinthians 10:31)
As the old hymn says: “What more can He say than to you He hath said?” Whatever “depths” you find yourself in, you already have a “word” from God. Like the Psalmist here, put your hope in the word He has already given you. It is more than enough!
That old hymn is “How Firm A Foundation”, one of my favorite hymns. I can remember singing it in an archaeology class at Asbury, where the professor had a habit of opening class with a hymn, and the class was composed primarily of men. Something about the acoustics of that classroom and all of those deep booming voices fit the lyrics of the hymn in a way that still sticks out in my mind.
I know what you mean, Ben. When I was at Southwestern, the men’s voices in chapel singing “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” was an experience that may not be bettered this side of glory!
I think of late I am beginning to comprehend the depths of faith which seems to correlate to the depths of my understanding that God always has a word for me:
I know the plans I have for you.
My grace is sufficient for you.
My thoughts are not your thoughts.
Amen. Our God and His word are quite amazing.
That’s a great little list of “words” too, Karen. There’s no shortage, is there?