An Extra Measure of Hope

Psalm 130 offers this prayer, “O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord, there is steadfast love, and with him is great power to redeem!”

Psalm 130 is a prayer for people who need an extra measure of hope. And maybe you are in a place where you need an extra measure of hope right now… Maybe you are looking at the world around you and you are just heartbroken over the lack of peace, or you are heartbroken by injustice.

For others of you, it may be more personal. I have to imagine that some of you this week have been struggling to keep it together. Maybe you have a relationship that is falling apart, or you’re worried sick about your children, or maybe you just received some scary news from the doctor, or you’re struggling financially.

I don’t know what kind of burdens you may be carrying – but this Psalm is a prayer for you. It ends with a resounding affirmation. Things may be bad. But despair, sin, heartache, and suffering don’t get to have the last word.

God has the power to pull the good out of something not so good; the beautiful from the horrible; the light out of the dark. Whatever your situation is today, may you claim the promise of this Psalm: With God is great power to redeem!

Let us pray: Out of the depths we call to you, O Lord. Let your ears be attentive to our cry for mercy. For we trust your unfailing love, forgiveness, and grace. We trust that with you all things are possible. So we hand you our struggles and ask for healing and redemption. Pour out your blessing on them and on us so that we might in turn live in such a way that blesses you and this world that you so love; through Jesus Christ. Amen.