To my fellow sojourner in Christ,
This last week has been hard. Sin, rebellion, death on open display in our world. Suffering and sorrow in our own lives. There’s the tears in our eyes, the thorn in our flesh.
I want to recommend this hymn by Martin Luther again to you. In the midst of an awful week, God used it to speak gospel hope to me. Even as we sang the words last night, I was really singing the words to my sorrowful, doubting heart.
With these words inspired by Psalm 130, I was once again retuned from sinking into grief and woe, to turn and trust in the Lord with a fervent hope that he will one day free us from all our sin and sorrow.
Lyrics:
1. From the depths of woe I raise to Thee, a voice of lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication.
If Thou iniquities dost mark, Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before Thee?2. To wash away the crimson stain, Grace, grace alone availeth.
Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth.
No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy.3. Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit.
On Him my soul shall rest, His word upholds my fainting spirit.
His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my sweet support.
I wait for it with patience.4. What though I wait the live-long night, And ’til the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth.
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed,
And wait ’til God appeareth.5. Though great our sins and sore our woes,
His grace much more aboundeth.
His helping love no limit knows, Our upmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is He, Who will at last His Israel free,
From all their sin and sorrow.Music by Christopher Miner
Words by Martin Luther (1523), translated by R. Massie (1854) – more info
©1997 Christopher Miner Music
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“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
– 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)
