When a person or a nation is brought down because of sin, sincere repentance to God is not ignored by Him. Prayer from the depths of one’s soul or in the humbling of a nation is heard. Pardon for sin can be granted when there is evidence of sincerity, remorse, confession, and forsaking of sin. When the pilgrim and those with him would sing these words on the road to Jerusalem, it would help to prepare their hearts to offer their sacrifices appropriately and openly worship at the house of the Lord.
“Out of the depths have I cried unto Thee, O Lord…,” sounds like the reality of repentance. Trouble and despair were real. This is a common call of concern by many who share the same hopes. But to know how to call on the Lord is important. A casual attitude toward sin, or any spiritual concern, is not from the depths of the soul. Emotional urgency may be only based on feelings, but when one’s soul is moved to call on the name of the Lord, “He shall be saved…” is not only for the unbeliever who comes to Christ for salvation. “The Lord is nigh unto all that call upon Him, to all that call upon Him in truth.”
In mercy, God saves us from deserved judgment. An earnest prayer for mercy is a good basis for expressing trust: “There is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared.” Distraughtness and sin can make us think more of ourselves and our failures than we should. Confession of sin instead of self-pity turns our minds and hearts to the Lord, who alone can help—and forgive us.
There would be no hope for us when we sin if not for the assurance that God is willing to forgive. When true confession of sin is made, and forgiveness is assured by the word of God, not our feelings, then there is a sense of awe in one’s soul at the mercy and grace of God. God’s forgiveness is not a casual matter. It is judicial forgiveness, which He does legally, not merely feeling sorry for us. He forgives as a judge can forgive when the law is satisfied with the price paid for sin. God also forgives as a parent would forgive an erring child who confesses what he has done wrong, and there is evidence of true remorse. For us to keep a record of sins done against us by someone builds a barrier between persons that is not removed until the record is burned. For me to, keep a record of my sins against God can also make a barrier between the Lord and me. There will always be a sense of guilt in coming to God if, after confession of sin, I again live with remorse about my failures.
God keeps an ear open to hear our cries, and we can always communicate with Him. Our joy stirs words of praise to God that He accepts. Our prayerful concern about people and events is heard, and in His own way, He deals with it. Our confessions of guilt at the moment of sin and failure are also heard. How thankful we are that “There is forgiveness with Thee!”
In uncertain times and because of our proneness to failure, we may lie awake at night wondering what will happen next or what God will do. Diligent waiting in the night often brings us the answer from the Lord, as His word in our hearts reveals what He has in mind. We may wait in nervous expectancy, which is probably normal, but it is also evidence of our faith in our God who answers prayer.
Because of God's promises, we wait in expectation and hope in His word. The “blessed hope” of His return for His church is a purifying wait. It also creates anticipation as to what will happen after He comes and the future blessings that lie ahead, both on earth and in heaven. No matter how long the night of waiting seems, the morning will come.
Repentance, assurance of forgiveness, and expectancy, as we look ahead, have a practical side to them as we apply the truth of God to our lives. It is important, not just for Israel as the Jews look ahead, but also for us, to join our voices in praise, thanksgiving, and expressions of confidence and faith in the “plenteous (abundant) redemption” the Lord gives. The redemption the Lord gives is not partial or half-hearted, but “A full redemption flowing from the sacrifice He made.” Instead of gloom in “the depths” as this psalm begins, we have a hopeful confidence, with full trust we express openly in our faithful God who “Is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”