I am taking Dynamics of Biblical Change, an online counseling course via CCEF. I am only in week 2 so far, but I already am forever grateful for it. I have found my heart singing as I have delighted in all that God is showing me He is for me in Christ.
In both of the lectures so far we have started worshiping Christ in song. In today’s class I sang the song below with great joy. David Powlison added two stanzas (4 & 7) to this song which reflect how we, as new covenant believers, should sing this psalm. The psalm begins by asking, who can stand before you if you look at our sins? As the song dwells on the grace and mercy of Christ, it ends with the joy of a soul that can stand and does stand gladly before its Savior.
This song was so timely– reflecting the work the Lord has been deepening in my heart, even the last two weeks. As He turns my sight away from my sin and fills it with Himself, He is freeing my heart with overflowing joy and living hope.
Psalm 130–From the Depths of Woe (written by Martin Luther, “From Depths of Woe I Raise to Thee,”–contemporary melody & arrangement by Christopher Miner. Stanzas 4 & 7 added by David Powlison).
From depths of woe I raise to thee a voice of lamentation.
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me and hear my supplication.
If thou iniquities dost mark, our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
[lead] O who shall stand before thee?
[echo] Who shall stand?
[lead] O who shall stand before thee?
[echo] Who shall stand?
[Together] Who shall stand before thee?
To wash away the crimson stain, grace, grace alone, availeth.
Our works, alas, are all in vain; in much the best life faileth.
No man can glory in thy sight, all must alike confess thy might
[lead] And live alone by mercy
[echo] Live alone
[lead] And live alone by mercy
[echo] Live alone
[Together] Live alone by mercy.
Therefore my trust is in the Lord and not in mine own merit.
On him my soul shall rest; his Word upholds my fainting spirit.
His promised mercy is my fort, my comfort, and my sweet support.
[lead] I wait for him with patience
[echo] Wait for him
[lead] I wait for him with patience
[echo] Wait for him
[Together] Wait for him with patience
And though my sorrows dark may be, Christ is my consolation.
He is my refuge day by day, high fortress of salvation.
He’ll take away my tears of pain, wash dust of death away with rain.
[lead] And now I sing before thee
[echo] Now I sing
[lead] And now I sing before thee
[echo] Now I sing
[Together] Now I sing before thee.
And though I wait the livelong night, until the dawn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in his might; it doubteth not nor feareth.
Do thus, O you of Israel’s seed, you of the Spirit born indeed,
[lead] And wait till God appeareth
[echo] Wait till God
[lead] And wait till God appeareth
[echo] Wait till God
[Together] Wait till God appeareth.
Though great our sin and sore our woes, his grace much more aboundeth.
His helping love no limit knows, our utmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is he who will at last set Israel free
[lead] From all their sin and sorrow
[echo] All their sin
[lead] From all their sin and sorrow
[echo] All their sin
[Together] All their sin and sorrow.
On heights of joy I’ll raise to thee a voice of exultation.
Lord, turn thy glorious face to me; receive my adoration.
Thy mercies triumph full and free through Jesus Christ who rescued me.
[lead] I gladly stand before thee
[echo] Gladly stand
[lead] I gladly stand before thee
[echo] Gladly stand
[Together] Gladly stand before thee
Aylín Merck 