by Brennan Pearson, teaching elder, First Presbyterian (Ann Arbor, Michigan)
Waiting is hard. Ask any child anxiously awaiting the arrival of Christmas morning. Consider asking Mary what her long journey of waiting was like, nestling the world’s Savior in her womb while struggling to conceal her pregnancy from the scrutiny of public eye.
Crying “out of the depths,” the psalmist here is confronted with the task of waiting. So great is the author’s trust in the steadfast love and redemptive power of God that the author is filled with hopeful waiting; trusting expectancy is paramount to the season of Advent. A sure sign of Advent’s arrival, hopeful waiting may also signal a growing life of faith. Waiting denotes patience, humility, and trust. To wait on the Lord, with the assurance of hope, denotes a blossoming faith.
Consider the plight of the Israelites, exiled and longing for the promised coming of the Messiah. Read Psalm 130 from their eyes. Consider Mary and the great responsibility thrust upon her in her inspired pregnancy. Read Psalm 130 from her eyes. Consider your own life of faith, your hopes and dreams, yours burdens and sorrows. Read Psalm 130 one last time, and consider our often joyful—though sometimes trying—calling to wait upon the Lord.
PRAYER
God of hope, help us all to wait in patient trust for the assurance of your saving grace. More than those that watch for the morning, may we watch for the birth of your Son and the dawning of peace.