Psalm 130
A song of ascents.
1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord;
2 Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy.3 If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you.5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope.
6 I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning.7 Israel, put your hope in the Lord,
for with the Lord is unfailing love
and with him is full redemption.
8 He himself will redeem Israel
from all their sins.
Indeed He did redeem the nation of Israel as well as those of us adopted as sons, daughters into the nation of Israel. When we stress about the sufferings of our days we can remember that the Lord is with us, redeems us, and will come again in glory for us all because of what happened one Easter morning long ago . . . .
These words encourage me during the most wretched of nights, which come every night. These words encourage me as I witness the life that has drained out of my brother’s body since his stroke this past weekend. These words encourage me as I ponder all of the loss and heartache during my half-century on this earth. These words encourage me as I see His grace and mercy in the loving eyes, the comforting touch of my intended beloved who loves me so. These Words are the Living God made real in my heart; transcending this life and drawing me to my life everlasting with my Savior. Because of Him I can see the blessings around me which hint at the life, the hope beyond.
No matter where you are or what life is handing you, Gentle Reader, be assured that His love extends to you too. Easter Sunday is a celebration of the Lord’s perfect love. He came from the utopia that is heaven to live as a pauper, suffer a tortuous death, and returned in glory when no one was expecting it. We would not and can not do what He did for us. And as we believe in the living sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are redeemed. Sorrow is replaced with joy from deep within our hearts. All things are made new. While my “outer man” is wasting away, my spirit is renewed day by day and will continue forevermore.
I look forward to the part of this journey beyond this life. In the meantime it is my honor to say to you: Happy Easter Gentle Reader. With love, Just Julie
Jesus is for the Wounded 