Him BookSample

READ Psalm 130:1-8.

In his song, “Turn the Lights Back On,” Billy Joel reflects on his life. Though he had excelled in his career he had plenty of relational regrets. He sings, "I’m late, but I’m here right now. Is there still time for forgiveness? Won’t you tell me how? I can’t read your mind. But I see you now, as we’re layin’ in the darkness. Did I wait too long, to turn the lights back on?”

Can’t you just feel his ache? He wants forgiveness but will he ever find it? He wants a restoration of relationship, but will it ever come? He has come to his senses and he wants a change, but is he too late?

I have met many who have struggled with this kind of regret. Husbands or wives, parents or children, employers or employees, friends or colleagues, who have wounded those around them, want to reconcile and move forward, but wonder if they waited too long to try to “turn the lights back on.” Perhaps you are dealing with this emotion in some relationship in your life.

What is particularly striking to me about this song is that it offers no resolution. The song is simply a question without an answer. To paraphrase the tone of the song, “I’ve screwed up and want to re-engage. Is that even possible?”

As it relates to human relationships, the lack of certainty in Joel’s question is totally understandable. After all, it takes two to tango. One person may realize their failure and want to make amends, but the offended party may not reciprocate the desire to reconcile.

But what about with God? What if our transgression was not just against another person but against God Himself? After all, when we sin against someone created in God’s image, we are sinning against God also. Upon coming to our senses, and repenting from our errant ways can we return to a relationship with Him? Is it too late to turn His Light back on in our lives?

In Psalm 130 we see how to respond when we are drowning in despair and convicted under the weight of our sin. The Psalmist cries out to the LORD who hears his cry. It is not too late. His Light can illuminate our darkness. Say the words Psalm 130 as a confession of your sin to God, asking forgiveness from Him.