I Will Wait for You: A Hope full take on Psalm 130
Throughout the ages, the majority of the arrangements of Psalm 130 have been melancholy, to say the least- some, borderline depressing. After singing the traditional Luther hymn arrangement at my church, I had more than one well-meaning member say something along the lines of, “Pastor, I know you love the lyrics of that song, but the arrangement makes me feel so miserable. Don’t make us sing that again. Please.”
It’s true. Although I love the words of Luther’s hymn based on the text, From the Depths of Woe, I have always felt woeful rather than hopeful after singing it. The psalmist, crying out from the depths de profundis is indeed in a bad place. A dark, difficult place.
Thankfully, this is not where the psalm ends. The Lord has heard his cry and forgiven his sins. Because of this forgiveness, he is
How does Psalm 130 fit into the context of this coming Sunday?
This coming Sunday (traditionally called Gaudete, or Rejoice) captures the heightening anticipation of the coming Savior in both his first and second advents. Each scripture lesson reinforces the “good news” proclaimed by John the Baptist on which the Gospel lesson from Luke 3:7-18 ends. Those who anticipate the arrival of the Christ rejoice, because the Lord and his deliverance are near. Gaudeamus pariter. Rejoice at the Lord’s coming deliverance.
Even in the midst of surrounding darkness, the ancient watchman knew the sun would come up, and that the light would make everything better. Like that watchman with his “sun certainty”, we, too, have “Son certainty.” The Son of God came once as a baby in Bethlehem, to live, die, and rise to redeem all mankind. We know that the Son is coming back
Listen to a new arrangement of a historic psalm- one that not only faithfully maintains the body of the text, but also captures the joy expressed. As you listen and sing along, be filled with the hope and joy thatcomes from knowing that even when you are in your deepest darkest places youhave a God who hears you and redeems you from all that holds you captive.
“Rejoice in the Lord, always, I will say it again, rejoice.”
Lyrics
Out of the
In darkest
Incline Your ear to me anew
And hear my cry for mercy, Lord
Were You to count my sinful ways
How could I come before Your throne
Yet full forgiveness meets my gaze
I stand redeemed by grace alone
CHORUS
I will wait for You
I will wait for You
On Your word, I will rely
I will wait for You
Surely wait for You
Till my soul is satisfied
So put your hope in God alone
Take courage in His power to save
Completely and forever won
By Christ emerging from the grave
CHORUS
Now He has come to make a way
And God Himself has paid the price
That all who trust in Him today
Find healing in His sacrifice
CHORUS
I will wait for You
I will wait for You
Through the storm and through the night
I will wait for You
Surely wait for You
For Your love is my delight
Words and Music by Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Keith Getty, and Stuart Townend. © 2018 Getty Music Publishing(BMI); Getty Music Songs, LLC; Jordan Kauflin Music; Matt Merker Music (each ofthese admin. by Music Services) / Townend Songs (PRS) (admin. by Music Servicesin the US and Canada and by www.songsolutions.org elsewhere in the World)
The Gettys have provided a number of great resources for congregational usage of this Psalm setting including a congregational hymn version.
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