November 28, 2022
Psalm 130:1 Ouf of the depths I cry to you, O Lord; Lord, hear my voice!
This verse from Psalm 130 is part of one of those psalms known as lament. These Biblical writings reveal the emotional and spiritual struggle of the writer as he faces his particular crisis or great challenge. Truth is, these lament psalms reveal the very real human emotion of struggling amidst life’s big challenges.
There has never been a period of human history when God’s people have known full bliss and blessing. Every historical time has its unique challenges and crises. In these moments the faithful have sought hope and promise as they encountered what pressed on them.
We certainly are living now in a time when so much seems to be going awry. Many are wondering when and if there will be a turn toward better things in our nation and across our globe. We face new diseases; extreme global tensions; the very real needs of the unfortunate; increasing violence; political and social discord; persons increasingly opting for building walls rather than bridges, etc.
The heart of our faith is that even in the darkest hours we have reasons to hope. This is not a naïve hope, a Pollyanna hope; rather, it is hope grounded in the resounding truth that God HAS NOT abandoned His world or our lives; and, He WILL NOT abandon us.
At the heart of the Hebrew faith and hope was the understanding that someday a Messiah would come who would bring assurance of God’s goodness and God’s special divine activity on our behalf. So, amidst the laments there was always an abiding trust and hope that God would come and empower his children. Nothing was hopeless simply because God was / is an active God constantly restoring us in our deepest darkness
So, for Advent 2022, light the candle of hope. Hang the banner of hope. Embrace the truth of God-centered hope. Let God’s goodness permeate your heart and your soul!
