Reading: Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Psalm 130:1

No matter how terrible a Christian’s case is on account of sin, it is never hopeless. There are various depths into which God permits His people, at times, to fall. Consider the depths of trial and trouble over financial losses, family bereavements, personal illness, domestic challenges, etc. There are also depths of sin and guilt (with consequent depths of conviction, anguish, darkness, and despair through the hidings of God’s face and of satanic opposition and despondency. John Owen spoke of such depths:

Lord, through my manifold sins and provocation I have brought myself into great distresses. Mine iniquities are always before me, and I am ready to be overwhelmed with them, as with a flood of waters; for they have brought me into depths, wherein I am ready to be swallowed up. But yet, although my distress be great and perplexing, I do not, I dare not, utterly despond and cast away all hopes of relief and recovery. Nor do I seek unto any other remedy, way, or means of relief, but I apply myself unto Thee, Jehovah, to Thee alone.

When the soul is in the depths of distress and despondency the only relief is found in God. In the very lowest state the psalmist sought help from the Lord, and the burdened soul is invited, like David, to fully unburden to Him who bears our burdens. However deplorable your condition, however dire your need, however desperate your situation, however intolerable the load upon your conscience, your case is not hopeless. David sought mercy and obtained it! Psalms 130:4: “But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

The greatness and urgency of my troubles makes my soul urgent, earnest, and pressing in my supplication. While I have no rest, I can give thee no rest; oh, therefore attend and hearken unto the voice of my crying. —John Owen