This psalm of David is a song of thanksgiving. The singer informs the hearers that all are welcome to come into God’s presence. The singer also informs the hearers that when we are overwhelmed with sin, God forgives our transgressions. Even the hills and the rivers are full of praise because of the work of our prayer-answering God.
Some years ago I began to feel that my prayers were not rising into God’s presence or that God was no longer listening. So I started a prayer journal. Instead of speaking my prayers orally I wrote them down. Then when the year was over I went through the prayer journal and was totally amazed at the answered prayer. In the margins of that first journal I rejoiced as I wrote the word, “Answered” next to each prayer that had been answered. It was a major faith booster. I learned it was me, Ruth, who was not paying attention, not God.
“By awesome deeds you answer us with deliverance, O God of our salvation; you are the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” (verse 5)
Oh hearing and answering God, when we feel alone and far from you, please come to us and help us to know your love and your presence in our lives. Amen. — REJ