Recently I’ve read several articles and listened to a few podcasts that seemed to have a common theme, though none of them are related… hope, or more precisely, the lack of hope. Each article and podcast pundit spoke of some variant of how our culture is finding it difficult to see any hope in the world around them. This sort of gloom can take a toll on the human heart.
 
But as we look to the coming Messiah through the eyes of a weary Israel, Psalm 118 gives language to the heart learning to hope again. This passage contains some of the most hopeful ideas there are … rescue, gratitude, trust, and worship. The Psalmist speaks from a rich history of knowing distress, but also from a deep knowledge of the steadfast love of God. Once again we see the repetition of that glorious phrase: “His faithful love endures forever.”

This week is all about the expectation and arrival of the Messiah, the hope of the world. But sometimes, when the waiting is long, our expectation feels fragile and our hope begins to weaken. This Psalm speaks the sort of truth which helps us square our shoulders and look to the hills for our help.
 
Waiting for God’s bodily arrival is more than a theological discussion. Its truth presses itself into the deep and hidden places where disappointment thrives. It’s one thing to say we believe He is coming near to His people as a whole, quite another to believe He will actually come near to us. Psalm 118 calms that fear with honest praise.
 
The one who comes in the name of the Lord is blessed. In its original setting, today’s passage rings with worship, procession and welcome of an honored guest. The people stand in the house of the Lord and bless those who come under His authority and favor. But as this story unfolds, the tension and weight of expectation grows more heavy and exciting. Someone is coming. Someone who will arrive and carry the very presence, authority, and saving work of God!!

This week’s storyline isn’t complete yet, but our hearts begin to lean forward, brows raised, a gentle smile breaking across our faces … Someone is coming!! The One who has promised to come is also teaching our hearts to welcome Him. He’s turning our expectations into praise.

But the truth is, not every heart welcomes the Lord’s arrival with the same joy. Sometimes we fear He may disturb things as we like them; we’ve grown comfortable with His distance and the lives we’ve built. Sometimes we want the rescue without the surrender. Psalm 118 trains us to open our hearts with worship … blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.

Being in the near presence of a Holy God can be both joyful and disorienting. What makes it difficult for your heart to welcome the Lord’s nearness without fear or hesitation? How does remembering the eternal nature of His faithful love help shape the way you wait for Him?

Father, my heart often grows cold and hard. Soften it toward your coming and teach me to welcome your close presence with faith, gratitude, and complete surrender. May my hope become worship, a sweet smelling savor to you, as I wait. Amen