February 13, 2024 • 42 mins
As we approach the season of Lent, beginning on February 14th with Ash Wednesday, It's a time for believers to peel back the layers of their hearts and prepare for the triumph of Easter through self-examination. And what better way to traverse these depths than with Martin Luther's stirring hymn "From the Depths of Woe"? In this episode of we voyage into the Lenten season, where the enduring truths of self-denial and Christ's love intertwine to renew our spirits.
The echoes of "From the Depths of Woe" resonate within me, a melody that awakened my soul to the beauty of grace. Martin Luther's words—a deep cry for redemption—are as relevant today as they were during the Reformation, reminding us that our salvation is a gift, not a paycheck earned by our deeds. It's an assurance that lifts our spirit, and together, we'll unravel the hymn's rich narrative and Luther's monumental doctrine of justification by faith alone. Inspired by Psalm 130, this hymn offers a comforting embrace for those yearning for mercy and a patient trust in the Lord's promise.
With hearts attuned to the rhythm of repentance and renewal, we anticipate the weeks ahead, charged with blessings and the unwavering hope of the resurrection. May the peace of God's steadfast love and faithfulness carry you until we meet again.
_______________________________________________
SHOW LINKS:
"From the Depths of Woe (Psalm 130)" performed by Andrew Osenga and Emily DeLoach from the 2012 album Joy Beyond the Sorrow: Indelible Grace Vol. 6
Album Details:
Joy Beyond The Sorrow: Indelible Grace VI, released November 15, 2012
Andrew Osenga: Lead Vocal, Additional Electric Guitar
Emily Deloach: Lead Vocal
Belmont RUF students and our Kickstarter supporters: Choir
Andy Hubbard: Drums and Percussion
Chris Weigel: Bass
Kevin Twit: Banjitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar:
Cason Cooley: Keys
Sheet music for “From the Depths of Woe" and other resources from Indelible Grace Music available here.
Instrumental version of "From the Depths of Woe" used in this episode is from Imago Piano. Music arranged and performed by Michael Tjahjadi.
🎵 Listen on Spotify
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Relaxing piano cover by Michael Tjahjadi (Imago Piano)
Original Composer: Martin Luther and Christopher Miner
Based on version by Indelible Grace Music
www.thebrightforever.com
All songs used by permission.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The cross welcomes us to look inside and around us
and be dissatisfied.
It welcomes us not to thedissatisfaction that leaves us
hopeless, but a dissatisfactionthat leads us to the foot of the
cross, where mercy and graceare found.
(00:25):
Paul, david Trip, this is theBright Forever.
Hello and welcome to the BrightForever where, each week, we
(00:54):
rediscover the power andrichness found in some of the
greatest hymns of the faith.
My name is Andy Peelyhouse andI am your host and guide on this
our journey through hymnity.
It is great to be back with youagain this week.
This week we begin the seasonof Lent.
(01:15):
As a matter of fact, tomorrow,many of you call it Valentine's
Day, but it actually, in thisparticular year, is the
beginning of the Lenten season.
It's also known as AshWednesday.
Lent, originating from the Latinword quadragesima, meaning 40,
(01:35):
refers to the 40-day period offasting, reflection and
repentance leading up to EasterSunday.
Lent finds its roots in the 40days of fasting and temptation
Jesus experienced in thewilderness.
Though many think Lent isspecifically a Catholic
(02:00):
observance, I believe Lent holdsa particular resonance to all
Christians because it invites us, as believers, to journey
inward, examining our hearts andour lives in light of God's
holiness and grace.
It serves as a season ofself-examination, of repentance
(02:24):
and renewal.
As we embark on this Lentenjourney, we are reminded of the
depth of our need for God'ssaving grace and the
transformative power of Christ'ssacrificial love.
Through practices such asfasting, prayer giving, we have
(02:46):
an opportunity to draw close toGod, to deepen our faith and to
prepare our hearts to experiencethe joy of Easter morning.
We are not doing a specificseries for Lent, like we did for
Advent, but throughout thisseason we will delve into topics
(03:07):
such as the significance ofChrist's Atonement, our need for
repentance and forgiveness, andthe hope and assurance we find
in the resurrection.
So make sure to hit that followbutton, click subscribe and
join us on this journey ofexploration and discovery, as we
seek to encounter theeverlasting hope found in Christ
(03:30):
alone.
In today's podcast, we will bediving into a hymn with which
you may not be very familiarwe're exploring From the Depths
of Woe, by the great reformerMartin Luther.
So come along with us as weexplore this powerful song and
(03:51):
with it, this extraordinaryseason of Lent.
In 1523, martin Luther, thetowering figure of the
Protestant Reformation, pennedthe hymn From the Depths of Woe
(04:14):
Luther's life and ministry, aswe've talked about before on
this podcast, were marked by adeep commitment to reforming the
church and restoring thecentrality of the gospel in
people's lives.
Amidst the tumultuous landscapeof the early 16th century,
luther found himself grapplingwith the weight of human
(04:38):
sinfulness and the need forGod's grace.
It was during this period ofpersonal and theological
introspection that Luthercomposed, from the Depths of Woe
, a poignant expression of hisown spiritual journey and the
universal cry of humanity forredemption.
(05:01):
Psalm 130, my Soul Waits for theLord, a Song of a Sense.
Out of the depths, I cry to you, o Lord.
O Lord, hear my voice, let yourears be attentive to the voice
of my pleas for mercy.
(05:22):
If you, o Lord, should markiniquities, o Lord, who could
stand?
But with you there isforgiveness that you may be
feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soulwaits and in his word I hope.
(05:46):
My soul waits for the Lord Morethan watchmen for the morning.
More than watchmen for themorning, o Israel, hope in the
Lord, for with the Lord there issteadfast love and with him is
(06:06):
plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel fromall his iniquities.
Psalm 130, often referred to asthe Day Profundus or Out of the
Depths, serves as thefoundational text that Luther
(06:27):
used for his hymn.
Written by an anonymouspsalmist, possibly during a time
of personal or maybe mutualdistress, psalm 130 captures the
raw emotions of human suffering, repentance and longing for
(06:48):
God's mercy.
The psalmist cries out to theLord from the depths of despair,
acknowledging the reality ofsin and pleading for forgiveness
and redemption.
This theme of lamentation andhope in the face of adversity
(07:10):
resonates deeply with thepassions expressed in Luther's
hymn.
Let's both grapple with ourexperience of sinfulness and the
desperate need for God's grace.
Psalm 130 offers us a look intothe nature of God's character
(07:35):
and the path to our redemption.
The psalmist acknowledges thedepth of God's mercy and
forgiveness, affirming that whenwe hope in the Lord, there is
steadfast love and plentifulredemption.
It's this declaration of God'sabundant grace and steadfast
(07:58):
love that serves as theme forour hymn.
As we sing from the depths ofwoe, we echo the confession of
the psalmist, affirming ourtrust in God's mercy and finding
hope in his promise ofredemption.
(08:21):
The hymn reflects Luther'sprofound understanding of
biblical doctrine, specificallythe doctrine of justification by
faith alone.
Luther himself wrestled withfeelings of despair and
unworthiness in the face ofGod's holiness.
Yet he found solace in theassurance of God's grace,
(08:45):
extended through Christ'ssacrificial death on the cross.
Luther's hymn became a poignantexpression of the Reformation's
emphasis on the sufficiency ofChrist's Atonement and the
assurance of salvation throughfaith.
(09:05):
Sola gratia, through gracealone.
Sola fide, by faith alone.
Solas cristus, in Christ alone.
Soli deo gloria, the glory ofGod alone.
(09:25):
In writing this hymn, luthergave voice to the cries of
repentance and hope thatresonated throughout the
Reformation era and thatcontinue to echo in our hearts
(09:46):
today.
The hymn served as a powerfulvehicle for conveying the
foundational truths of thegospel to the masses, as
congregations sang of theirreliance on God's mercy and
their confidence in Christ'sredeeming work.
(10:19):
From the depth of woe, I raiseto thee a voice of lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to meand hear my supplication.
If thou iniquities dost, markour secret sins and misteeds
(10:40):
dark, oh, who shall stand beforethee To wash away the crimson
stain?
Grace, grace alone availeth Ourworks.
Alas, are all in vain.
In much the best life faileth.
(11:02):
No man can glory in thy sightalmost alike, confess thy might
and live alone by mercy.
Therefore, my trust is in theLord and not in my own merit.
(11:29):
On him my soul shall rest.
His word upholds my faintingspirit.
His promised mercy is my fort,my comfort and my sweet support.
I wait for it with patience.
(11:49):
What though?
I wait the live-long nightuntil the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trusted in hismight.
It doubteth not nor feareth.
Do thus, o ye of Israel's seed,ye of the Spirit born indeed,
(12:18):
and wait till God appeareth.
Though great our sins and soreour woes, his grace much more
aboundeth, his helping love nolimit knows Our utmost need, it
(12:42):
soundeth.
Our shepherd, good and true ishe who will at last his Israel
free from all their sin andsorrow.
(13:02):
Verse 1 of From the Depths ofWoe begins with a cry echoing
that sentiment from Psalm 130,verses 1 and 2, which says Out
of the depths I cry to you, oLord.
Lord, hear my voice, let yourears be attentive to my cry for
(13:24):
mercy.
This verse encapsulates theuniversal human experience of
grappling with the weight of oursin and the desperation we have
for mercy and forgiveness fromour God.
It reflects the heartfelt pleaof the Psalmist and of believers
(13:52):
throughout the ages, whorecognize their inadequacy and
sinfulness before a holy andrighteous God Looking through a
gospel lens.
Verse 1 of this hymn serves asa reminder of the truth of
(14:16):
salvation by grace, throughfaith in Christ Jesus.
As the hymn expresses the cryfor mercy and forgiveness, it
points to the central message ofthe gospel that salvation is a
gift freely offered by Godthrough the death and
(14:37):
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2, 8 and 9 reinforcesthis truth, stating For it is
by grace you have been saved,through faith, and this not of
yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not byworks, so that no one can boast.
In this verse we are remindedthat it is not by our own merit
(15:04):
or by our good works, but byGod's grace alone that we are
saved.
So verse 1 serves as thatpowerful proclamation of the
(15:25):
truth of the gospel that God'smercy and His forgiveness are
freely offered to those whoplace their trust in Him.
One of the things I love aboutverse 1 is it reminds me of my
life before Christ.
Now, I grew up in church.
(15:47):
I grew up hearing all the Biblestories and hearing about Jesus
, and I knew so much about Godand I've shared this before, as
a matter of fact, in episode 2of season 1, where I talk about
my salvation that I knew a lotabout God, but I didn't know Him
(16:11):
.
And this verse reminds me ofthe moment when my sin became
real to me and I just cried outLord, turn a gracious ear to me
(16:34):
and hear my supplication because, god, if your iniquities mark
us and our secret sins andmisdeeds, and you're taking
(16:55):
record of all those things, Ican't stand.
I break under the pressure andso I'm crying out to you God,
hear me and show me grace.
(17:16):
That reminds me of before I wassaved, of the absolute
desperation I felt, thinking Ihad it all clear in my mind,
thinking I've been in church mywhole life.
(17:37):
Of course I'm Christian, ofcourse I have a relationship
with Jesus.
Hello, my mom is on staff.
My dad's been a Sunday schoolteacher for 30, 40 years.
Come on, of course I'm saved.
And I finally had to drop to myknees and say God, turn a
gracious ear to me, because ifyou are marking down my sin, I
(18:03):
cannot stand before you.
But I love the fact that itdoesn't leave us there.
Neither the Psalm nor the hymnleave us in this place.
Verse two finds that centraltheme of grace and the
insufficiency of human works forsalvation.
(18:24):
It echoes what we just read inEphesians, for as by grace you
have been saved through faith,and this not from yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not byworks, so that no one can boast.
This verse shows us thefoundational truth that
salvation cannot be earnedthrough human effort or by good
(18:49):
works, but it is a free gift ofGod's grace, extended for all
who believe in Jesus Christ.
The hymn underscores thefutility of even relying on
human works for salvation.
It echoes Paul and hisassertion in Romans 3.20 that
(19:11):
says therefore, no one will bedeclared righteous in God's
sight by the works of the law.
Rather, through the law webecome conscious of our sin.
The law is not there to tell ushey, you gotta get to work.
No, the law is saying the workthat you do, it can't measure up
(19:35):
.
You need salvation, you need asavior.
Paul tells us also that all ofthe righteousness we can muster,
all of the good we can do, isbut filthy rags.
Instead, the hymn points to thesufficiency of God's grace
(19:55):
alone for salvation,highlighting the message of the
gospel that it is through faithin Jesus Christ and his atoning
sacrifice on the cross that weare made righteous before God.
Only through Christ are we maderighteous.
(20:17):
We can't earn it.
We have to be transformed.
Just like so many hymns, eachof us kind of builds a part of
the story and in verse three itshifts from our sin and the
(20:39):
grace that we need to.
How are we gonna respond?
How do we respond to God'sgrace?
How do we respond to God'smercy?
It begins with the declarationof trust in the Lord, Goes back
to Psalm 130, verse five, whereit says I wait for the Lord.
(21:00):
My whole being waits and in hisword I put my hope.
It underscores the importanceof placing one's trust and
confidence in God, especially intimes of trial, especially in
times of distress and despair.
(21:20):
It reflects the psalmist'sacknowledgement of God's
faithfulness and his unwaveringtrust in God's promises.
The hymn then emphasizes ourreliance on God's promised mercy
as a source of our strength, asource of our comfort, a source
(21:43):
of support.
It goes to Psalm 130, verseseven, which says Israel, put
your hope in the Lord, for withthe Lord is unfailing love and
with him is full redemption.
Our trust in God's promisedmercy serves as the source of
(22:05):
our hope.
It's the source of ourassurance, providing comfort and
strength in the midst ofchallenges, in the midst of
life's circumstances.
This verse serves as a call topatience and steadfastness and
faith.
I don't know if you've everheard this phrase that if you
(22:31):
ever want patience, you can prayfor patience, but then just
watch out, because God willflood you and flood your life
with opportunities for patience,to teach you patience.
This verse serves as a call tothat patience, to having a
(22:56):
steadfast faith, encouraging usto wait on the Lord with
confidence, but not just withconfidence.
It doesn't just stop there.
Wait on the Lord withexpectation, knowing that his
(23:19):
mercy and his redemption aresure.
We hope in something.
We have an expectation ofsomething so much greater than
we could possibly ever know, andwe're called to steadfast faith
(23:44):
and to wait patiently.
So verse three becomes apowerful reminder of our
response in faith, our responsein trust, and reminding us to
place our hope and ourconfidence in God's unfailing
(24:05):
love and redemption through whatChrist has done for us on the
cross.
Verse four continues to remindus Just in case you didn't hear,
the wait patiently, let'sreiterate it one more time
You're gonna wait the live longnight until the dawn of Perth.
You're gonna trust in his mightand doubt not and wait and wait
(24:29):
, wait till God appear.
It's like, well, verse threewasn't enough.
You remember you're gonna haveto wait on the Lord, but there's
an expectation that comes inthat and our reliance on God's
mercy and redemption.
It begins with a recognition ofthe trials, of the challenges
(24:53):
that we face, echoing what Psalm30, verse five, says for his
anger lasts only a moment, buthis favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,but joy comes in the morning.
It may be bad right now and youmay be in despair and
(25:17):
everything in your life may feellike it is falling apart.
Just wait through the live longnight until the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trustseth in hismight.
It doubteth not, nor feareth.
(25:40):
Do thus, o, ye of Israel's seed, ye of the Spirit born indeed,
and wait till God, appearethGod's anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime.
(26:05):
I love that verse.
Weeping may stay for that, livelong night, but joy comes in
the morning.
And this verse acknowledgesthat.
It says look, there's going tobe times when it feels like
you're just walking around inthe dark and that this is going
(26:31):
to last.
This night is going to lastforever.
Wait for the dawn, Look for thelight, Trust in God, Don't
doubt that he will come through.
You don't have to fear.
(26:51):
You don't have to doubt Trustin God's might, in God's
strength.
Just as the psalmist trusted inGod's steadfast love and
redemption, so too are we calledto place our hope and our
confidence in God's power tosave and deliver.
(27:16):
Verse five is where it allculminates, in the proclamation
of God's boundless grace.
It begins with anacknowledgement of the enormity
of human sin and suffering.
Translations of Romans 3.23,.
For all have sinned and fallshort of the glory of God, the
(27:39):
reality of our brokenness andour desperate need for God's
grace.
The hymn then shifts to adeclaration of hope and
assurance in God's boundlesslove and redemption.
It points to Ephesians 1.7,which says in him we have
(27:59):
redemption through his blood,the forgiveness of sins, in
accordance with the riches ofGod's grace.
Our trust in God's redeeminglove serves as a source of our
hope, of our comfort, providingassurance and forgiveness and
restoration.
It reminds us of Romans 5 thatwe talked about last week in
(28:23):
verse 20.
Now the law came to increasethe trespass.
But where sin increased, graceabounded all the more.
Though great our sins and soarour woes, his grace much more
abounded.
(28:45):
This verse serves as a reminderof our dependence on God's grace
for salvation and it encouragesus to place our trust, place
all of our trust, in God'sunfailing love.
As we close out this episode,may we be reminded of the truth
(29:06):
that is deeply embedded in theseverses.
Let this hymn be a source ofcomfort, strength, assurance as
you navigate life's trials.
May it lead you to a deeperunderstanding of God's mercy,
(29:29):
his steadfast love, hisfaithfulness towards you.
May the words of this hymnresound in your hearts, lifting
your spirits and drawing youeven closer to the heart of God.
Speaker 3 (30:27):
From the depths of woe I raise to thee the voice of
lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to meand hear my supplication.
If thou and equities dust, markour secret sins and misdeeds
(30:55):
dark.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
O who shall stand before?
Speaker 3 (31:16):
thee To wash away the crimson stain.
Grace, grace alone availeth.
Our works, alas, are all invain, and much the best life
(31:42):
faileth.
No man can glory in thy sight,almost alike.
Confess thy might and livealone by mercy Live alone by
(32:08):
mercy.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
Therefore, my trust is in the Lord and not in my own
merit.
All in my soul shall rest.
His word upholds my faintingspirit.
His promised mercy is my fort,my comfort and my sweet support.
(32:51):
I wait for it with patience.
What do I wake the live longnight until the dawn appeareth.
(33:24):
My heart still trusts death inhis might.
It doubteth not love feareth Tothe soul.
Ye of Israel, see ye of theSpirit.
Pour him, deep Wait till Godappeareth.
(33:49):
No greater sins and soulharvows his grace.
(34:14):
Much more about death.
There is helping love.
No living knows.
Our utmost need is sounded.
Our shepherd, good and true, ishe who will at last his Israel
(34:35):
free.
All in sin and sorrow, israel,all in sin and sorrow, all in
(35:54):
sin and sorrow.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
All in sin and sorrow .
That was From the Depths of Woe.
Psalm 130 by Indelible GraceMusic, featuring Andrew Ossenga
and Emily Deloche, from their2012 album Joy Beyond the Sorrow
(36:53):
Indelible Grace, volume 6.
For more information about thissong and all of the amazing
resources available at IndelibleGrace Music, check out the
links in the show notes for thisepisode.
Thank you for joining us thisweek on the Bright Forever.
Remember to follow us, reviewus and, of course, subscribe and
(37:17):
check out all of the featureson our website by going to
wwwthembrightforevercom.
We always want to hear from you.
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(37:38):
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(37:59):
Visit our new merch store onour website by simply clicking
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Lastly, I do have a shout out.
I want to say thank you to PamEubank, who has become a Bright
Forever Plus subscriber.
I cannot tell you how awesomeit is when people give to this
(38:22):
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I am absolutely humbled and Iam so appreciative.
Thank you so much for believingin what we do here at the
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Your financial support meansthe world to us as we continue
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If those of you out there whoare listening would like to help
(38:44):
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(39:07):
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Thank you again for listeningand I hope you all have an
amazing week and a great Lentenseason.
(39:29):
Before we go, let me close usout in prayer.
Father, I thank you for yourgrace, father, though our sins
are great and there are timeswhere we are just desperate.
(39:55):
For you, your grace aboundseven greater.
Father, thank you for who youare.
Thank you that we do not haveto fear, we do not have to doubt
that we have an expectation andassurance of not just salvation
(40:19):
, but of a future of a worldbeyond this one.
God, I thank you for everythingthat you do, for all that you
do in us.
God, as we go through these next40 days, as we go through this
(40:40):
season of Lent, remind us of oursin.
God, the cross welcomes us tolook inside and look around and
to be dissatisfied, to wantsomething greater and better.
It welcomes us not todissatisfaction that leaves us
(41:05):
hopeless, but a dissatisfactionthat leads us to the foot of the
cross, where we find mercy andgrace in our Savior.
God, we love you.
We praise you.
(41:25):
Give us an amazing week in yourson's name, jesus.
Amen.
God bless you all.
Have a great week and I'll seeyou back here next week.
We're out.
The cross welcomes us to look inside and around us
and be dissatisfied.
It welcomes us not to thedissatisfaction that leaves us
hopeless, but a dissatisfactionthat leads us to the foot of the
cross, where mercy and graceare found.
(00:25):
Paul, david Trip, this is theBright Forever.
Hello and welcome to the BrightForever where, each week, we
(00:54):
rediscover the power andrichness found in some of the
greatest hymns of the faith.
My name is Andy Peelyhouse andI am your host and guide on this
our journey through hymnity.
It is great to be back with youagain this week.
This week we begin the seasonof Lent.
(01:15):
As a matter of fact, tomorrow,many of you call it Valentine's
Day, but it actually, in thisparticular year, is the
beginning of the Lenten season.
It's also known as AshWednesday.
Lent, originating from the Latinword quadragesima, meaning 40,
(01:35):
refers to the 40-day period offasting, reflection and
repentance leading up to EasterSunday.
Lent finds its roots in the 40days of fasting and temptation
Jesus experienced in thewilderness.
Though many think Lent isspecifically a Catholic
(02:00):
observance, I believe Lent holdsa particular resonance to all
Christians because it invites us, as believers, to journey
inward, examining our hearts andour lives in light of God's
holiness and grace.
It serves as a season ofself-examination, of repentance
(02:24):
and renewal.
As we embark on this Lentenjourney, we are reminded of the
depth of our need for God'ssaving grace and the
transformative power of Christ'ssacrificial love.
Through practices such asfasting, prayer giving, we have
(02:46):
an opportunity to draw close toGod, to deepen our faith and to
prepare our hearts to experiencethe joy of Easter morning.
We are not doing a specificseries for Lent, like we did for
Advent, but throughout thisseason we will delve into topics
(03:07):
such as the significance ofChrist's Atonement, our need for
repentance and forgiveness, andthe hope and assurance we find
in the resurrection.
So make sure to hit that followbutton, click subscribe and
join us on this journey ofexploration and discovery, as we
seek to encounter theeverlasting hope found in Christ
(03:30):
alone.
In today's podcast, we will bediving into a hymn with which
you may not be very familiarwe're exploring From the Depths
of Woe, by the great reformerMartin Luther.
So come along with us as weexplore this powerful song and
(03:51):
with it, this extraordinaryseason of Lent.
In 1523, martin Luther, thetowering figure of the
Protestant Reformation, pennedthe hymn From the Depths of Woe
(04:14):
Luther's life and ministry, aswe've talked about before on
this podcast, were marked by adeep commitment to reforming the
church and restoring thecentrality of the gospel in
people's lives.
Amidst the tumultuous landscapeof the early 16th century,
luther found himself grapplingwith the weight of human
(04:38):
sinfulness and the need forGod's grace.
It was during this period ofpersonal and theological
introspection that Luthercomposed, from the Depths of Woe
, a poignant expression of hisown spiritual journey and the
universal cry of humanity forredemption.
(05:01):
Psalm 130, my Soul Waits for theLord, a Song of a Sense.
Out of the depths, I cry to you, o Lord.
O Lord, hear my voice, let yourears be attentive to the voice
of my pleas for mercy.
(05:22):
If you, o Lord, should markiniquities, o Lord, who could
stand?
But with you there isforgiveness that you may be
feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soulwaits and in his word I hope.
(05:46):
My soul waits for the Lord Morethan watchmen for the morning.
More than watchmen for themorning, o Israel, hope in the
Lord, for with the Lord there issteadfast love and with him is
(06:06):
plentiful redemption.
And he will redeem Israel fromall his iniquities.
Psalm 130, often referred to asthe Day Profundus or Out of the
Depths, serves as thefoundational text that Luther
(06:27):
used for his hymn.
Written by an anonymouspsalmist, possibly during a time
of personal or maybe mutualdistress, psalm 130 captures the
raw emotions of human suffering, repentance and longing for
(06:48):
God's mercy.
The psalmist cries out to theLord from the depths of despair,
acknowledging the reality ofsin and pleading for forgiveness
and redemption.
This theme of lamentation andhope in the face of adversity
(07:10):
resonates deeply with thepassions expressed in Luther's
hymn.
Let's both grapple with ourexperience of sinfulness and the
desperate need for God's grace.
Psalm 130 offers us a look intothe nature of God's character
(07:35):
and the path to our redemption.
The psalmist acknowledges thedepth of God's mercy and
forgiveness, affirming that whenwe hope in the Lord, there is
steadfast love and plentifulredemption.
It's this declaration of God'sabundant grace and steadfast
(07:58):
love that serves as theme forour hymn.
As we sing from the depths ofwoe, we echo the confession of
the psalmist, affirming ourtrust in God's mercy and finding
hope in his promise ofredemption.
(08:21):
The hymn reflects Luther'sprofound understanding of
biblical doctrine, specificallythe doctrine of justification by
faith alone.
Luther himself wrestled withfeelings of despair and
unworthiness in the face ofGod's holiness.
Yet he found solace in theassurance of God's grace,
(08:45):
extended through Christ'ssacrificial death on the cross.
Luther's hymn became a poignantexpression of the Reformation's
emphasis on the sufficiency ofChrist's Atonement and the
assurance of salvation throughfaith.
(09:05):
Sola gratia, through gracealone.
Sola fide, by faith alone.
Solas cristus, in Christ alone.
Soli deo gloria, the glory ofGod alone.
(09:25):
In writing this hymn, luthergave voice to the cries of
repentance and hope thatresonated throughout the
Reformation era and thatcontinue to echo in our hearts
(09:46):
today.
The hymn served as a powerfulvehicle for conveying the
foundational truths of thegospel to the masses, as
congregations sang of theirreliance on God's mercy and
their confidence in Christ'sredeeming work.
(10:19):
From the depth of woe, I raiseto thee a voice of lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to meand hear my supplication.
If thou iniquities dost, markour secret sins and misteeds
(10:40):
dark, oh, who shall stand beforethee To wash away the crimson
stain?
Grace, grace alone availeth Ourworks.
Alas, are all in vain.
In much the best life faileth.
(11:02):
No man can glory in thy sightalmost alike, confess thy might
and live alone by mercy.
Therefore, my trust is in theLord and not in my own merit.
(11:29):
On him my soul shall rest.
His word upholds my faintingspirit.
His promised mercy is my fort,my comfort and my sweet support.
I wait for it with patience.
(11:49):
What though?
I wait the live-long nightuntil the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trusted in hismight.
It doubteth not nor feareth.
Do thus, o ye of Israel's seed,ye of the Spirit born indeed,
(12:18):
and wait till God appeareth.
Though great our sins and soreour woes, his grace much more
aboundeth, his helping love nolimit knows Our utmost need, it
(12:42):
soundeth.
Our shepherd, good and true ishe who will at last his Israel
free from all their sin andsorrow.
(13:02):
Verse 1 of From the Depths ofWoe begins with a cry echoing
that sentiment from Psalm 130,verses 1 and 2, which says Out
of the depths I cry to you, oLord.
Lord, hear my voice, let yourears be attentive to my cry for
(13:24):
mercy.
This verse encapsulates theuniversal human experience of
grappling with the weight of oursin and the desperation we have
for mercy and forgiveness fromour God.
It reflects the heartfelt pleaof the Psalmist and of believers
(13:52):
throughout the ages, whorecognize their inadequacy and
sinfulness before a holy andrighteous God Looking through a
gospel lens.
Verse 1 of this hymn serves asa reminder of the truth of
(14:16):
salvation by grace, throughfaith in Christ Jesus.
As the hymn expresses the cryfor mercy and forgiveness, it
points to the central message ofthe gospel that salvation is a
gift freely offered by Godthrough the death and
(14:37):
resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2, 8 and 9 reinforcesthis truth, stating For it is
by grace you have been saved,through faith, and this not of
yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not byworks, so that no one can boast.
In this verse we are remindedthat it is not by our own merit
(15:04):
or by our good works, but byGod's grace alone that we are
saved.
So verse 1 serves as thatpowerful proclamation of the
(15:25):
truth of the gospel that God'smercy and His forgiveness are
freely offered to those whoplace their trust in Him.
One of the things I love aboutverse 1 is it reminds me of my
life before Christ.
Now, I grew up in church.
(15:47):
I grew up hearing all the Biblestories and hearing about Jesus
, and I knew so much about Godand I've shared this before, as
a matter of fact, in episode 2of season 1, where I talk about
my salvation that I knew a lotabout God, but I didn't know Him
(16:11):
.
And this verse reminds me ofthe moment when my sin became
real to me and I just cried outLord, turn a gracious ear to me
(16:34):
and hear my supplication because, god, if your iniquities mark
us and our secret sins andmisdeeds, and you're taking
(16:55):
record of all those things, Ican't stand.
I break under the pressure andso I'm crying out to you God,
hear me and show me grace.
(17:16):
That reminds me of before I wassaved, of the absolute
desperation I felt, thinking Ihad it all clear in my mind,
thinking I've been in church mywhole life.
(17:37):
Of course I'm Christian, ofcourse I have a relationship
with Jesus.
Hello, my mom is on staff.
My dad's been a Sunday schoolteacher for 30, 40 years.
Come on, of course I'm saved.
And I finally had to drop to myknees and say God, turn a
gracious ear to me, because ifyou are marking down my sin, I
(18:03):
cannot stand before you.
But I love the fact that itdoesn't leave us there.
Neither the Psalm nor the hymnleave us in this place.
Verse two finds that centraltheme of grace and the
insufficiency of human works forsalvation.
(18:24):
It echoes what we just read inEphesians, for as by grace you
have been saved through faith,and this not from yourselves.
It is the gift of God, not byworks, so that no one can boast.
This verse shows us thefoundational truth that
salvation cannot be earnedthrough human effort or by good
(18:49):
works, but it is a free gift ofGod's grace, extended for all
who believe in Jesus Christ.
The hymn underscores thefutility of even relying on
human works for salvation.
It echoes Paul and hisassertion in Romans 3.20 that
(19:11):
says therefore, no one will bedeclared righteous in God's
sight by the works of the law.
Rather, through the law webecome conscious of our sin.
The law is not there to tell ushey, you gotta get to work.
No, the law is saying the workthat you do, it can't measure up
(19:35):
.
You need salvation, you need asavior.
Paul tells us also that all ofthe righteousness we can muster,
all of the good we can do, isbut filthy rags.
Instead, the hymn points to thesufficiency of God's grace
(19:55):
alone for salvation,highlighting the message of the
gospel that it is through faithin Jesus Christ and his atoning
sacrifice on the cross that weare made righteous before God.
Only through Christ are we maderighteous.
(20:17):
We can't earn it.
We have to be transformed.
Just like so many hymns, eachof us kind of builds a part of
the story and in verse three itshifts from our sin and the
(20:39):
grace that we need to.
How are we gonna respond?
How do we respond to God'sgrace?
How do we respond to God'smercy?
It begins with the declarationof trust in the Lord, Goes back
to Psalm 130, verse five, whereit says I wait for the Lord.
(21:00):
My whole being waits and in hisword I put my hope.
It underscores the importanceof placing one's trust and
confidence in God, especially intimes of trial, especially in
times of distress and despair.
(21:20):
It reflects the psalmist'sacknowledgement of God's
faithfulness and his unwaveringtrust in God's promises.
The hymn then emphasizes ourreliance on God's promised mercy
as a source of our strength, asource of our comfort, a source
(21:43):
of support.
It goes to Psalm 130, verseseven, which says Israel, put
your hope in the Lord, for withthe Lord is unfailing love and
with him is full redemption.
Our trust in God's promisedmercy serves as the source of
(22:05):
our hope.
It's the source of ourassurance, providing comfort and
strength in the midst ofchallenges, in the midst of
life's circumstances.
This verse serves as a call topatience and steadfastness and
faith.
I don't know if you've everheard this phrase that if you
(22:31):
ever want patience, you can prayfor patience, but then just
watch out, because God willflood you and flood your life
with opportunities for patience,to teach you patience.
This verse serves as a call tothat patience, to having a
(22:56):
steadfast faith, encouraging usto wait on the Lord with
confidence, but not just withconfidence.
It doesn't just stop there.
Wait on the Lord withexpectation, knowing that his
(23:19):
mercy and his redemption aresure.
We hope in something.
We have an expectation ofsomething so much greater than
we could possibly ever know, andwe're called to steadfast faith
(23:44):
and to wait patiently.
So verse three becomes apowerful reminder of our
response in faith, our responsein trust, and reminding us to
place our hope and ourconfidence in God's unfailing
(24:05):
love and redemption through whatChrist has done for us on the
cross.
Verse four continues to remindus Just in case you didn't hear,
the wait patiently, let'sreiterate it one more time
You're gonna wait the live longnight until the dawn of Perth.
You're gonna trust in his mightand doubt not and wait and wait
(24:29):
, wait till God appear.
It's like, well, verse threewasn't enough.
You remember you're gonna haveto wait on the Lord, but there's
an expectation that comes inthat and our reliance on God's
mercy and redemption.
It begins with a recognition ofthe trials, of the challenges
(24:53):
that we face, echoing what Psalm30, verse five, says for his
anger lasts only a moment, buthis favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may stay for the night,but joy comes in the morning.
It may be bad right now and youmay be in despair and
(25:17):
everything in your life may feellike it is falling apart.
Just wait through the live longnight until the dawn appeareth.
My heart still trustseth in hismight.
It doubteth not, nor feareth.
(25:40):
Do thus, o, ye of Israel's seed, ye of the Spirit born indeed,
and wait till God, appearethGod's anger lasts only a moment,
but his favor lasts a lifetime.
(26:05):
I love that verse.
Weeping may stay for that, livelong night, but joy comes in
the morning.
And this verse acknowledgesthat.
It says look, there's going tobe times when it feels like
you're just walking around inthe dark and that this is going
(26:31):
to last.
This night is going to lastforever.
Wait for the dawn, Look for thelight, Trust in God, Don't
doubt that he will come through.
You don't have to fear.
(26:51):
You don't have to doubt Trustin God's might, in God's
strength.
Just as the psalmist trusted inGod's steadfast love and
redemption, so too are we calledto place our hope and our
confidence in God's power tosave and deliver.
(27:16):
Verse five is where it allculminates, in the proclamation
of God's boundless grace.
It begins with anacknowledgement of the enormity
of human sin and suffering.
Translations of Romans 3.23,.
For all have sinned and fallshort of the glory of God, the
(27:39):
reality of our brokenness andour desperate need for God's
grace.
The hymn then shifts to adeclaration of hope and
assurance in God's boundlesslove and redemption.
It points to Ephesians 1.7,which says in him we have
(27:59):
redemption through his blood,the forgiveness of sins, in
accordance with the riches ofGod's grace.
Our trust in God's redeeminglove serves as a source of our
hope, of our comfort, providingassurance and forgiveness and
restoration.
It reminds us of Romans 5 thatwe talked about last week in
(28:23):
verse 20.
Now the law came to increasethe trespass.
But where sin increased, graceabounded all the more.
Though great our sins and soarour woes, his grace much more
abounded.
(28:45):
This verse serves as a reminderof our dependence on God's grace
for salvation and it encouragesus to place our trust, place
all of our trust, in God'sunfailing love.
As we close out this episode,may we be reminded of the truth
(29:06):
that is deeply embedded in theseverses.
Let this hymn be a source ofcomfort, strength, assurance as
you navigate life's trials.
May it lead you to a deeperunderstanding of God's mercy,
(29:29):
his steadfast love, hisfaithfulness towards you.
May the words of this hymnresound in your hearts, lifting
your spirits and drawing youeven closer to the heart of God.
Speaker 3 (30:27):
From the depths of woe I raise to thee the voice of
lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to meand hear my supplication.
If thou and equities dust, markour secret sins and misdeeds
(30:55):
dark.
Speaker 4 (31:10):
O who shall stand before?
Speaker 3 (31:16):
thee To wash away the crimson stain.
Grace, grace alone availeth.
Our works, alas, are all invain, and much the best life
(31:42):
faileth.
No man can glory in thy sight,almost alike.
Confess thy might and livealone by mercy Live alone by
(32:08):
mercy.
Speaker 4 (32:22):
Therefore, my trust is in the Lord and not in my own
merit.
All in my soul shall rest.
His word upholds my faintingspirit.
His promised mercy is my fort,my comfort and my sweet support.
(32:51):
I wait for it with patience.
What do I wake the live longnight until the dawn appeareth.
(33:24):
My heart still trusts death inhis might.
It doubteth not love feareth Tothe soul.
Ye of Israel, see ye of theSpirit.
Pour him, deep Wait till Godappeareth.
(33:49):
No greater sins and soulharvows his grace.
(34:14):
Much more about death.
There is helping love.
No living knows.
Our utmost need is sounded.
Our shepherd, good and true, ishe who will at last his Israel
(34:35):
free.
All in sin and sorrow, israel,all in sin and sorrow, all in
(35:54):
sin and sorrow.
Speaker 1 (36:32):
All in sin and sorrow .
That was From the Depths of Woe.
Psalm 130 by Indelible GraceMusic, featuring Andrew Ossenga
and Emily Deloche, from their2012 album Joy Beyond the Sorrow
(36:53):
Indelible Grace, volume 6.
For more information about thissong and all of the amazing
resources available at IndelibleGrace Music, check out the
links in the show notes for thisepisode.
Thank you for joining us thisweek on the Bright Forever.
Remember to follow us, reviewus and, of course, subscribe and
(37:17):
check out all of the featureson our website by going to
wwwthembrightforevercom.
We always want to hear from you.
There are multiple ways you cando that.
You can always email us atpodcast at thebrightforevercom.
You can also click the contactus tab at the top of our website
(37:38):
and send us a message throughour contact form.
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And, of course, do not miss anopportunity to show off the fact
that you listen to the BrightForever.
(37:59):
Visit our new merch store onour website by simply clicking
the store tab in the menu.
Lastly, I do have a shout out.
I want to say thank you to PamEubank, who has become a Bright
Forever Plus subscriber.
I cannot tell you how awesomeit is when people give to this
(38:22):
podcast.
I am absolutely humbled and Iam so appreciative.
Thank you so much for believingin what we do here at the
Bright Forever.
Your financial support meansthe world to us as we continue
to try and reach more and morepeople each and every week as we
do this podcast.
If those of you out there whoare listening would like to help
(38:44):
reach a greater audience withthese hymns, take a moment and
go to TheBrightForevercom andclick the support the podcast
tab in the menu.
You can subscribe by givingthree, five, eight or ten
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And if you are not ready tocommit to every month, you can
(39:07):
always click the yellow coffeeicon at the bottom left of our
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our ByMeacoffeecom supportersaccount.
Thank you again for listeningand I hope you all have an
amazing week and a great Lentenseason.
(39:29):
Before we go, let me close usout in prayer.
Father, I thank you for yourgrace, father, though our sins
are great and there are timeswhere we are just desperate.
(39:55):
For you, your grace aboundseven greater.
Father, thank you for who youare.
Thank you that we do not haveto fear, we do not have to doubt
that we have an expectation andassurance of not just salvation
(40:19):
, but of a future of a worldbeyond this one.
God, I thank you for everythingthat you do, for all that you
do in us.
God, as we go through these next40 days, as we go through this
(40:40):
season of Lent, remind us of oursin.
God, the cross welcomes us tolook inside and look around and
to be dissatisfied, to wantsomething greater and better.
It welcomes us not todissatisfaction that leaves us
(41:05):
hopeless, but a dissatisfactionthat leads us to the foot of the
cross, where we find mercy andgrace in our Savior.
God, we love you.
We praise you.
(41:25):
Give us an amazing week in yourson's name, jesus.
Amen.
God bless you all.
Have a great week and I'll seeyou back here next week.
We're out.
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