Out of the depths

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Lent is a time for self-examination and penitence, for taking a serious look at our lives and being sorry for our sin.  But it isn't a time to be self-absorbed or caught in the paralyzing grip of shame.
We sang this hymn at church two Sundays ago and I thought it captures something of the essence of Lent.


Verse 1 of "Out of the Depths" by Martin Luther
"Out of the depths I cry to you;
 O Lord, now hear me calling.
 Incline your ear to my distress in spite of my rebelling.
 Do not regard me sinful deeds.
 Send me the grace my spirit needs;
 without it I am nothing."


In it, the singer acknowledges her/his rebellion and sin.  Look where they are calling out from: the depths.  This is where sin leads us.  This is where we end up when we live for ourselves and on our own strength.  But as Christians, we do not have to stay there!  We cry out to God and ask for help.  We can be bold, even though we have disobeyed God, even though "our sins be as scarlet".  Why?  Because of God's grace.


"Send me the grace my spirit needs; without it I am nothing."


Our plea to God is based on God's goodness, on His loving-kindness towards us, and His grace to redeem us.  Lent is about preparing for Easter.  Easter is about God's sacrificial love and mighty power that save us from sin and death even though we don't deserve it.  So, if you find yourself "in the depths" this Lent.  Shocked, saddened, ashamed of your sin.  Cry out to God.  He will hear you.


Psalm 130:1-4
"Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
2     O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
    to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
    O Lord, who could stand?
4 But with you there is forgiveness,    that you may be feared"

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