Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Scripture

“Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.  Lord, hear my voice!” (Psalm 130:1-2a)

Reflections

When we are in the depths, it is good to look up.

When Jonah was in the belly of the big fish, it seemed like all hope was lost.  He was deep in the abyss, cut off from everything.  But from the belly of the fish, he cried out with words echoing Psalm 130.  “I called to the Lord out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice.” (Jon. 2:1)  Jonah’s prayer, uttered from the depths of the fish’s body, was not contained by that body.  Jonah’s prayer “penetrated all things, it burst through all things, it reached the ears of God.” (St. Augustine)

We have no lasting hope apart from God.  No matter how hard we try, we often get ourselves into trouble.  We are beset by all that afflicts us.  We need One who will rescue us.  From the depths of our suffering comes a plea with expectant hope.  The Lord God is merciful.

Martin Luther had high regard for this psalm and wrote a hymn based on it.  The fifth verse is as follows:

“Though great our sins, yet greater still is God’s abundant favor;

His hand of mercy never will abandon us, nor waver.

Our shepherd good and true is He, who will at last His Israel free

From all their sin and sorrow.”

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for hearing my cry from the abyss and meeting me in the depth of my brokenness and pain with your mercy and love.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Full Reading: Psalm 130