When God Feels Distant: Learning to Wait (Psalm 130)

About this episode

This episode explores the feelings of distance from God and the journey from darkness to hope through Psalm 130.

What do you do when you know God forgives… but you don’t feel it? Psalm 130 is one of the “Psalms of Ascent,” sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Surprisingly, it begins not with celebration, but with a cry from the depths. This sermon explores that honest, in-between space: when we know we’ve got things wrong when forgiveness is real but restoration doesn’t quite feel complete At the heart of the Psalm is a powerful image: waiting for the Lord like a watchman waiting for the morning. Not anxiously, but with quiet confidence that light is coming. As we approach Holy Week, this ancient song helps us make sense of the journey from darkness to hope—through waiting, trust, and ultimately, redemption. If you’ve ever felt stuck, distant from God, or unsure what to do next, this Psalm offers a simple but profound invitation: Cry. Trust. Wait. Hope.

Topics covered

• God's forgiveness
• waiting
• Psalm 130
• Holy Week
• redemption

Keywords

• cry
• trust
• hope
• restoration

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Psalms of Ascent, Psalm

Places: Jerusalem

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