The Morning Will Soon Be Here

Psalm 130:6 “My soul waits for the Lord more than the watchmen for the morning; Indeed, more than the watchmen for the morning. “

One of the worst feelings you will ever experience is the anguish of regret when you have hurt someone’s feelings or done a person wrong. So often this happens when releasing frustrations on an innocent bystander who may even be a close friend or loved one. I have done this many times in my life. Though the release of the torrent of grievances may feel freeing for a few minutes, it is so often followed by chains of remorse that tie the gut in knots.

How I have wished I could take back thoughtless words or actions. But once they escape these stinging emotions burrow like termites into an old log, damaging what once was strong and beautiful. Often, from the moment of their release, my thoughts are consumed with trying to make things right – trying to restore the relationship that once was so warm, but now seems so distant.

The writer of Psalm 130 understood this feeling. His sense of estrangement from God because of his sin was very painful, and all he desired was that the Lord would hear his voice and be attentive to his cries. He craved a restored relationship and waited for it as a night watchman would search the horizon for the morning light.

Yet he did not wait in desperation wondering what the outcome would be. He knew the One he was calling enough to understand that His lovingkindness and forgiving spirit were abundant. There was no limit to His mercy; therefore, he put his hope in the Lord’s faithfulness to keep His word.

For those who feel this deep chasm between God and themselves, here are a few things to remember.

1. There is no depth too deep.  No matter how low you have fallen into sin, God is listening for your voice. When you call to Him He is faithful and just to forgive your sins and to cleanse you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

2. There is no deadline too far. In military prisons there were boundaries surrounding the compound. If a prisoner went past these deadlines they would very likely be shot by the guards. If the Lord were to mark our iniquities with a boundary, there is no way that anyone could stand. But when God forgives He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. He does not keep track so that we must fear we will reach our limit.

3. There is no disappointment for those who wait. For those who wait and watch for the Lord there will be no disappointment. Just as the sun rises each morning, the lovingkindness of the Lord will shine on each soul that calls to Him. His capacity to forgive and redeem is more than adequate and will never run out.

If, like the Psalmist, your heart and soul ever feel crushed by the distance that sin creates between you and God, don’t despair! There is no depth too deep, no deadline too far, and no disappointment for those who wait. Keep looking up . . .

Love,

Mama