Homilist Psalm 130:1-8 Out of the depths have I cried to you, O LORD. This psalm is the outpouring of a broken heart, crushed because of sin. I. THE SIMILE — "Out of the depths." A fitting image of intensity of grief. We cast about ordinarily in the shallows and level plains. We rise to the mountains to sing. Are they not nearer heaven? We sink to the depths to weep. The depths and cavities of the rocky Palestine were inaccessible and filled with noisomeness and pestilence. Thank God, life is not all depths. Thank God that even in the depths He can hear — from the gloom, the bewilderment, the despair. The depths indicate a fall. It is natural to get lower. It is not a natural place of resort. The depths also indicate carelessness. The circumspect will take heed to his ways. All sin leads to despair. II. THE ACTION — "I cried." No word could more fitly express the soul's action when in the depths. It indicates — 1. Consciousness of danger. Some are engulphed and unconscious. 2. Absence of formality. There is no time for a well-ordered prayer. The circumstances are too tragic to permit of the consideration of grammar or propriety. Deliverance is life. 3. Sense of helplessness. The strong man can do nothing. At the same time there is a sense of hope. There is one thing which the most convicted sinner can do — he can cry. III. THE HELPER — "To Thee, O Lord." 1. Here is some one at hand. He is able to hear. 2. Here is some one of ability. The depths are God's kingdom as well as the heights. He is a strong deliverer. 3. Here is one of willingness. He is ready to save, waiting to be gracious. Oh, it is good for a sinner to be in the "depths." He would not cry unless he felt their mortal woe. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: {A Song of degrees.} Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. |
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