Worshipping “out of the depths”
BY KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY
Keith and Kristyn Getty occupy a unique space in the world of music today as preeminent modern hymn writers. They have created a catalogue of songs teaching Christian doctrine, crossing several genres of composition, which are sung the world over.
F or most people – including believers – “the depths” is the last place from which a song should be sung. We reserve singing for the higher moments of life and faith. For rejoicing. For reflection. For entertainment. For religious tradition.
But the Psalms remind us that singing is a sacred act divinely intended for everything we will experience in this life. This includes a key part that today’s worship is often missing: lament.
The song I Will Wait for You is very special to us. It is a setting of Psalm 130 – a modern reflection of what it means to trust God in the midst of trials. Psalm 130 is often referred to as the De profundis, a Latin phrase meaning “out of the depths.” “The depths” is both figuratively and literally an expression of the deepest canyons of the ocean and of the heart – places where light cannot reach and where any hope for finding the surface above is constantly being crushed by pressure and darkness.
This was a favorite psalm of everyone from Augustine to Martin Luther to Charles Wesley because it connected real life – full of angst and pain – with a real God who is ever present, especially in the depths.
It reminded them then – as it reminds us now – that God invites His children not only to rejoice before Him, but also to bring Him our struggles.
One of our goals over the next five years is to set most of the Psalms to music, rediscovering creative ways we can sing together regardless of where we are – whether soaring on the heights – in excelsis – or buried beneath the depths – de profundis.
This song is a key cog in the wheel of our new project meant to reinvigorate the congregational act of singing the Psalms. It is a heartfelt expression of the gospel’s mirrored invitation of the Psalms to draw near to Christ not from a place of pride or privilege, but from a place of realness and brokenness, aware of the vast, impassable expanse that lies between the ocean floor and the celestial ceiling. Indeed, unless Someone higher than us spans this chasm on our behalf, we have no hope. But because Christ has already fully done this for us at the cross, we are no longer relegated to remaining quiet in the depths. We can cry out because our Savior has felt the same darkness and cold as us, emerging from our depths victorious and creating by His grace the path of honesty and hope for us to follow.
He knows what it feels like to cry out from the depths Himself.
The ancient Psalms express many things we so desperately need in the modern age – not just in our music, but also in our very lives as they are lived together as a spiritual act of worship. The Psalms timelessly paint immutable images of the vast array of the majesty of God. They speak to His wonder and splendor, as well as the eternally creative nuance with which He speaks, moves and employs the mysteries of time and space. But the Psalms also prompt us to behold the more transcendent, awe-inspiring aspects of his powerful deity. They acknowledge that He is also a righteous judge, longing for and guarding His people with a holy jealousy – a Sovereign whose holiness cannot tolerate evil.
Thus collectively, the Psalms portray a compellingly big picture of the God of the Bible, expressing in these observations and interactions with Him – and with life itself – every human emotion we can feel – from praise, celebration, shouting and dancing, to crying, anger, repentance and lament.
This is indeed a masterful Psalm of lament – a healthy outlet of faith and expression that we often lack in our worship. Plainly stated, our worship experiences often leave out the biblical, healthy act of lament. We have lost the sacred invitation to cry out from the depths.
Our hope is this hymn speaks to many people and allows us all to see with fresh eyes the clear invitation from Scripture to spend time waiting on the Lord … no matter how deep in the depths we may be.
Thank you very much for sharing this beautiful song. I love it❤️
Such a timely message, my mom just passed away a weeks ago, and my soul yearns to grief. My son reminded me that David, when his son died,burst in worship. From the depths of our soul, we wait on Him, to be embrace, as hope and joy ensues His love for us.
I am a traditional hymn lover, and what the Getty’s write and sing are often very hymn-like. This one is just stunningly beautifully done. Susie if you read this, know that I knew you at Colonial and figured out last year that yes this is the “same” Susie Rowan I knew. Know also you are doing a wonderful job as BSF director. I so appreciate the changes you are making and the effort to reach out through email to all the participants. I don’t know that I would ever have discovered this lovely arrangement of Psalm 130 without you. I am so excited that they are going to try to set all the Psalms to music. I recommend “Sing” , a book by the Getty’s to everyone.
Great to reconnect with you, Kay!
Such an inspiration and a reminder that we are never alone. It blesses my soul.
Just beautiful, Susie. Thank you for sharing!
Beautiful Psalm.
Thank you for sharing the gift of song on Psalm 130 at such an opportune time. Even as my family and I await the looming question of when my father’s hip correction surgery going to be or whatever is going to befall, this song has encouraged me to look into the Scriptures and wait on Him. My father is 85 years old and indeed we have encouraged him to bring his fears to the Lord.
Thanking God for the body of believers who are praying.
What a wonderful song! As I meditated on the lyrics, as well as the verses of Psalm 130, it brought me to tears, as I cried out to God, proclaiming His glory, and thanking Him for His awesome love!
Thank you for sharing and reminding me of my resolution to sing and praise with the Psalms as a mini bible for the rest of my life after studying in-depth the PPL with BSF. It was a fantastic eye-opener for me and allowing me to focus by stepping down on all other priorities. Have mercy on me, Jesus.
Thank you. I was having a cruddy day, but all day God has been calling my name. This song was the icing on the cake of my day!
What a beautiful song and message. The lament to cry out to our God. Thank you, I needed this today.
Listened while reading the Psalm – how wonderful
Am sitting here worshipping from the depths. Thank you for helping to prepare us for the power about to be unleashed as we study The Acts of the Apostles. God’s Word is power. HE is our only Hope through the deep. Grateful for the tool of BSF!
Thank you, Susie, for sharing this psalm/song and for the gift of songs you envision sharing. What an encouragement. I can’t wait! Blessings and prayers for all of you at HQ.
Beautiful music – He is so very good ❤ I Will Wait for Him
I need to know when bsf is start where it will be in austin, tx?? Can you please get that info for me ??
@Reesa.
We begin the second week of September. Yay! Go to https://www.bsfinternational.org/map/ and punch in Austin. There you will find numerous classes that meet at different days and times. Pick one, e mail them, and they can send you more info. See you soon. 🙂
Truly enjoyable!
May all the Children of God realize singing His glory is an absolute must before and after worsbip.
Maybe even having Fellowship.
Praise God for His glory ?
Many thanks for sharing … It reminds me how deep is God’s LOVE … Be greatly blessed everyone ❤️❤️❤️
How wonderful and how moving is the word of God set to music! It moves the soul to worship!! Thank you for sharing and send us more!!?
This is a fantastic song that touched my soul and had me in tears. I have read many of the Psalms, but put to music, the true meaning as it connects to my own life was heart wrenching. I have shunned listening to much of the spiritual music available as most are of the “rock” type and sound much the same with little meaning for me. This has echoes of the group Celtic Thunder and I love it. It is truly a song of worship; thanks.
I really needed to hear that music, what an encouraging and inspirational words and lyrics, since I got diagnose with RA last year GOD has been blessed me so much and to hear this melody it uplifts my spirit and will continue to trust Him with all my heart. Thanks for sharing Susie….
This is wonderful! So scripturally sound, so full of hope and promise! A blessing!
Thank you. My mom just went to be with the Lord two weeks ago. She had been coming to work with me every day for the last two years since my dad passed. It was a hard adjustment. Now I thank the Lord and am so grateful. Even in sadness there is much joy in celebrating the love of our Savior! May the Lord bless the conference this year. It has always been a source of joy and encouragement! Thank you for following the Lord’s direction.
Dear Ron, you must find it really hard! I pray that the Lord will bless you and embrace you in the warmth of His personal love. May He fulfill you and reassure you and protect you from loneliness that only He can fill with His everlasting relationship. He does not leave us, standing beside us or behind us or in front of us. He is real and He talks through the Psalms and encourages us in times just like yours. We stand with you in prayer and solidarity.
Am excited. I am in the process of reading the psalms again. Asante Sana. Amazing
Thank you for sharing this beautiful soulful song. I felt my whole being crying out to the Lord, along with the singer” I will wait for you…” Even in the darkest valley I hold and hope and trust that God will deliver me. I’m waiting for my BSF classes in September. Waiting for the study, the questions and sharing time of The Word.
Thank you Susie! Just what I needed to hear in this moment of life as my husband battles stage 4 cancer and there are so many unknowns. Clinging to Jesus thru it all!
Brenda Koenig , sorry about that. The Lord knows your pain and is holding you through this season. I will keep you and him in prayer.
Your unwelcome visit from Mr. C strikes a note with me. I, also, had stage IV lymphoma in 2010. Chemo got the cancer, but neuropathy is present with me until ? My wife had strokes in 2012 & 2014. Her daughter, from previous marriage, connived her mom into divorcing me in 2015. The words of a song still reverberate with and give me hope. The words of note “Through it all”. Then words of one of my favorite hymns give me hope for each day. They are “I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able…”
Dear Norman – you must be devastated and struggling with your life, yet you have chosen the one thing and one person who can steady your footing in the dark mire leading you through to hope. May you be strengthened and filled with reassurances every day of your difficult life. My thoughts are for you.
He is the light at the end of our cloudy tunnel.
Thank you for sharing. The song is beautiful! To God be the glory.
A beautiful song full of inspiring message as I wait for the Lord’s second coming. Thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you God’s Blessings.
Thank you, Susie, for another blog that is so powerful. The Psalms were always meant to be sung. This is so fulfilling an objective, to put all of the Psalms to music. May the Lord be with you and all in this effort.Cannot wait until BSF begins again in Little Rock (Maumelle) on the Monday follwing Labor Day.
Perfect timing. Just what I needed at the right time.
WOW what a great reminder! Verses 3-4 “Lord, if You kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive? But YOU, offer Forgiveness, that we might learn to fear YOU.” We don’t have to wait for the Lord to forgive — “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 Hallelujah!
Verse 7 “We can wait and place our hope in the Lord for with HIM there is unfailing love and an overflowing supply of salvation.”
I love the timeless hymns of the past. This reminds me of them. Thank you for sharing.
Will the fall never get here and we can resume our wonderful BSF!?! I am “Waiting for You, Lord!”
My First time to hear Keith and Kristyn Getty, a new playlist is being formed. Thank you for this piece. Very nice and comforting.
Thank you
Perfect timing
What a beautiful song. I’m always waiting for him. Hallelujah!!!
I can’t thank you enough for sharing this beautiful meaningful song. When she sings” I will wait for you …” I feel like my soul is shouting out praises with the singer, feel the pain and trust like mine own.
One more time and one more person….each time that God is there for me.
This is beautiful and right on time! This reminds me that our Lord and Savior was also in the deepest of struggles on the cross waiting for his father’s hand, but knowing that He had to go through it for us. My struggles are only for me to get to Him closer. Thank you for sharing and the reminder!
Thank you for sharing. This reminds me that we have HIM all times in our UPS and DOWNs. Crying in the depth for God is what we need. Love this hymn.
Love this song…but MP3 won’t download
Keith and Kristen are modern hymn writers who don’t just st use repetitive phrases over and over, but fill each song with rich theology. Pastor Alistair Begg realized their giftings when he invited them to come to Parkside Church in Bainbridge, Ohio to become known in the United States.
I was privileged to sit under his teachings and God’s blessings
as God expanded their ministry. They are true servants of our precious Lord and Savior. Thank you for sharing their new plans for singing the Psalms.
I’ve been waiting and surely I Will wait for u Lord! Thanks a lot for this beautiful song.
Anyone else having trouble downloading the MP3?
Refreshing to the soul , praise be to God for this blessing.
A beautiful and profoundly significant message for anyone suffering in the deep caverns of struggle!
It’s such a beautiful and peaceful song..I am truly waiting for him…Thanks for sharing…
I will wait for you , surely wait for you! Praise the Lord, praise His HOLY NAME! Thank you for sharing!