Psalm 130:1-8 Out of the depths have I cried to you, O LORD.… I. DAVID'S DISTRESSING CONDITION (vers. 1, 2). Before God fills a soul, He empties it. II. DAVID'S PENITENTIAL CONFESSION (ver. 3). III. DAVID'S GROUND OF HOPE (ver. 4). We are told that when Darius heard that the Athenians had captured Sardis, he was indignant, and vowed vengeance on the city. He went out into the open air, and sending an arrow towards the heavens, he appealed to the god, Jove, and vowed that he would destroy the city, and at the same time commanded one of his servants to enter into his presence every noon, and cry, "Remember Sardis." Is it thus that God deals with us? No! He waits not to smite, but to heal; not to punish, but to pardon; not to ruin, but to regenerate. Consider — 1. The promise of God (Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm 86:5; Romans 10:12; 2 Peter 1:4; James 5:2). 2. The death of Christ. 3. God's acts. Manasseh, David, Saul of Tarsus, Zaccheus, Bunyan, all obtained forgiveness, and so may you. IV. DAVID'S ATTITUDE TOWARDS GOD (vers. 5, 6). Seasons of spiritual depression, though painful, are profitable. They excite earnest desires, and prepare the mind for the reception of richer blessings. V. DAVID'S ENCOURAGING EXHORTATION (ver. 7). Some tell us that a man must tumble into the Slough of Despond before he can become a rejoicing believer. David thought it better policy to try to prevent them falling into that slough. Despair paralyzes. Hope invigorates. VI. THE ENCOURAGING PROMISE (ver. 8). 1. Sinner, are you in the depths? Looking on your past life, do you see little else but sin? Looking beyond the grave you see no light. No ray of hope lights up your impenetrable gloom. The stars shine brightest at night, and the promise of pardon beams with the brightest lustre when we are on the borders of despair. Hear it, and rejoice. "He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." 2. Believer, do you pray for grace to destroy sin, and fill your heart with love? The blessing you desire shall be granted. This is no doubtful speculation, no untried theory. Ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, have obtained pardon and purity through faith in Christ. (H. Woodcock.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Song of degrees.} Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. |
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