A Song of Ascents
Out of the depths I cry to you, O (Yahweh) Lord!
O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness,
that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel
from all his iniquities. Psalms 130
Are there times you ‘wait for the morning’? Does your mind begin to dwell on the Lord before the sunrise? Here in this psalm the word “Lord” means Yahweh (The Hebrew name for God). The 15 songs of ascent are an interesting section attributed to have been authored by David. So many sections of the Bible the headings are an interpreter’s / translator’s addition to mark a section, but here in the Songs of Ascent the title is actually in the Hebrew of the Psalms. Tradition believes these were sung by those on the way to the temple in Jerusalem for national festivals and holiday celebrations. Songs bring a remembrance in a way to a person that other methods don’t.
We now who have been adopted into His family through the new covenant have the privilege of being indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Do you interact with Him early in the morning? Do you ‘converse’ with Him asking Him questions and listening to His Words to you? This relationship with the Holy Spirit is one like no other. Like any relationship though …it must nurtured and cherished with regular communication. And we need to engage in that relationship to grow spiritually and in real maturity. Can you recognize His Voice within you? Do you actively seek out His advice and instructions early in the morning and throughout your day? Do you greet Him first thing in the morning?
You who have been musically gifted … have you tried to put a melody to the Psalms? Seek the Lord for inspiration. Utilize the gift He has given you. For some of us we too need to utilize the gifts within us for His pleasure and glory. What do the Psalms inspire in you? Utilizing the gifts within us for His praise and glory are about as close as we can come to fulfilling His purpose for us. Can you paint or draw? Can you write? Can you recite memorized scripture? Can you sculpt or build? I encourage you to use your gifts in praise to Him. Ask Him what He would enjoy from you? Does that request seem strange to you? Why? We ask these things of our spouses and closest friends — why not Him?
Press into this relationship with the Holy Spirit… first thing in the morning when you first rise to meet the day.