When we find ourselves swimming in life’s cold depths of sorrow, out of those depths, the child of God often finds the truest help. In times of tribulation, when the horizon seems blotted by impenetrable darkness, one will cast their eyes heavenward and cry, "Ma’amaqqim”— "Out of the Depths!"
From David’s Ma’amaqqim, we see the gospel lighthouse shining. The rock that steadies the trembling soul is near. The Psalmist’s Ma’amaqqim provides a much-needed anchor for the believer. Oh, how often has the child of God, like David, found himself in deep waters! Waters that threaten to engulf, waves that seem profound. Yet, it is in these watery depths (out of the depths) that the piercing cry of the soul rises with the most fervor: "Ma’amaqqim!", reaching out to the very throne of Grace, pleading for grace. The cry, "Ma’amaqqim!", dear one, is not a sign of weakness but of strength in weakness. As many a saint can attest, the depths can serve as a crucible, refining our faith, drawing out the impurities of sin, doubt, and fear, and molding us into vessels shaped after the image of Christ.
Dear one, David's Ma’amaqqim is not one of desolation but of earnest petition. It acknowledges the omnipotent power of God, a God who does not stand afar off but listens intently to the groanings of His dear children. A Savior who does not disdain our feeble cries but, in His infinite mercy, draws ever so close, ready to rescue and save.
And so, when you find your heart heavy, when the burdens of this transient world press upon your soul, remember these Ma’amaqqim-depths from which the Psalmist cried, and do likewise. Just as dawn follows the darkest night, the Lord's deliverance also follows our profoundest cries. We have but to cry, contend, and cast our cares upon Him, "for He careth for us." Such is the assurance of our faith, the blessed hope of all who call upon the name of the LORD.
"Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption." v.7