A Musician Looks at the Psalms
Devotion for Wednesday, November 11, 2009 |
|  |
| Previous Next Selection Taken From:
A Musician Looks at the Psalms: 365 Daily Meditations by Don Wyrtzen This devotion is like a "modern-day psalter,
written by one who has grappled with the hard
realities of life in the workplace, at home, and
in the secret sanctuary of his own heart. Like
the psalmists, he does not offer pat answers to
complex problems. Rather, he strips away the
superficialities he encounters in daily living
and probes all one hundred and fifty psalms for
the light they shed on his spiritual
pilgrimage." Copyright 2004 by Don Wyrtzen,
published by Broadman & Holman Publishers |
HOPE
I wait for the LORD; I wait, and put my hope in
His word. I [wait] for the Lord more than
watchmen for the morning-more than watchmen for
the morning. Israel, hope in the LORD. For
there is faithful love with the LORD, and with
Him is redemption in abundance. And He will
redeem Israel from all its sins (vv. 5-8). - Psalm 130
There are several musical terms for "pause" or "rest" Pauses in music, the cessation of sound, affect the flow of a piece and create variety and diversity. Delay, anticipation, buildup are all crucial in musical dynamics.
This pilgrim psalmist understands the value of patient waiting. Thoroughly familiar with the holy writings of the Old Testament prophets, he trusts the Lord for ultimate fulfillment of his promises-God's unfailing love and his full redemption. Lawrence Richards, in his work, Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, says, “It is striking to note that in all the Old Testament's exploration of the meaning of padah ('redeem or ransom'), only in Psalm 130:7-8 is this concept associated with redemption from sin." His sovereign hand is not forced by human entreaties unless the time is right. He hears prayer, then acts according to his own schedule.
In ancient times watchmen were posted atop the broad gates of Jerusalem to sound the alert if signs of imminent danger were observed. The night watches were long and arduous. If the watchmen could make it until the first rays of the rising sun, they could rejoice in their security for yet another night. Waiting in darkness merely emphasized the glory of the sunrise!As I wait in the darkness of uncertainty and human inadequacy, I rest in the fact of his sunrise that is surely coming ... tomorrow!
Personal Prayer
Lord, I'm waiting as patiently as I know how. And in the process of waiting,
I find a blessing, for I am looking forward to your glorious coming
and to an eternity spent in your presence!
Click here to send this devotion to a friend!
