Psalm 130
Psalm 130 is one of the seven Penitential Psalms, typically used in liturgical prayers for the departed faithful been showed or been shown at funerals. The psalm can be broken into three sections – a plea, the trust, and the mercy.
The first three verses are a sorrowful plea. The psalmist “cries out from the depths,” traditionally translated as the depths of despair, to implore the Lord to “hear my voice.”
In the next five verses, the psalmist reiterates his trust in the Lord and his willingness to wait for the Lord, “but with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered.”
The final two verses show that the experience of God’s mercy leads to a greater sense of God, “For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.”
Unlike other well-known psalms of rejoicing and celebration, this psalm is filled with sorrow. However, it can be applied to our daily life. How often have we had a plea for God, proved our trust in him and then been shown mercy? But also, how often have we had a plea for God, but not gotten the outcome we desire?
This psalm shows us that no matter how bad things get, we can always call on God.
Katie Merritt