Psalm 130: A Prayer of Hope
HOPE IS NECESSARY. It gives us the strength to keep going through the tough times. It gives life joy and meaning in the good times. However, when hope has been repeatedly disappointed, it slips away. This psalm offers a picture of this struggle. The writer is without much hope. Yet he puts himself in a place of allowing for the possibility of hope. As we pray with him, we too can begin to wait with growing expectation. We too can nurture our hope.
Warming Up to God
How would you describe the experience of hope? How would you describe the experience of hopelessness?
Read Psalm 130. »
Discovering the Word
- The psalm begins with a cry to the Lord from "out of the depths" (v. 1). What pictures come to mind as you read this phrase?
- The psalmist's distress seems to be related to a struggle with guilt. How can guilt lead to hopelessness?
- Verses 3 and 4 tell us that God forgives. How does the promise of forgiveness contribute to hope?
- Verse 5 says, "I wait,. . . my soul waits." What is the relationship between waiting and hope?
- The psalmist then uses the metaphor of watchmen (v. 6) to describe the experience of hope. What does he convey with this image?
- What reasons does the psalmist give for hoping in the Lord (vv. 7-8)?
Applying the Word
- What area of life is it difficult for you to be hopeful about?
- What reasons do you have for hoping in the Lord?
Responding in Prayer
Thank God for being the source of hope. Pray for courage when you face hopelessness.
For Further Study
Hope: Your Heart's Deepest Longings (LifeGuide Bible Study) by Jack Kuhatschek