On first reading of this psalm, the reader cannot help but pick up on the wretched torment of the psalmist who is crying to the Lord from the depths of despair: “Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD .”
However, through repeated reading of the psalm, I can’t help but marvel at the writer who shows a level of absolute certainty that God will hear the cries and walk beside the psalmist to share the load and relieve the psalmist’s suffering. This psalm of trust has the message that God is waiting in the wings to uplift us and share in our challenges.
I am reminded of the famous “Footprints in the Sand” story, and I sense that this psalmist trusts that God is about to arrive, to pick us up out of our trouble and carry us through the storm back to where we are safe and untroubled.
Through life, many of us have been engulfed with fear, despair and suffering. God in God’s wisdom is aware of our situation, and when called upon will be with us, travelling through our challenges and leading us to a better way.
Lord, I hope in you! For with you I know I have steadfast love, and that you have the great power to redeem me from my sins. Amen. —