“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to Your Word.” -Psalm 119:25

We are made of dust and to dust we shall return. The psalmist is so low in spirit he feels as one already dead. Depression can feel like this. The intense pain or numbness makes one feel not fully alive, like the walking dead. He prays for the Lord to preserve him- to give him life to the full, not just a sad restless existence. The psalmist wants to truly live again. 

“I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees.” -Psalm 119:26

The psalmist has told God his heart- confession and repentance. Now he looks for renewed fellowship with the Lord. He wants God to teach him His commands so that he might not stumble in sin. The psalmist loves God and His holiness. He hates his sin and does not want to repeat an offense. 

“Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.” -Psalm 119:27

Here the psalmist pleads for more insight into the knowledge of God. This is where love and belief will grow. The psalmist desires to go deeper in fellowship with His Father. The way to do this is for the Lord to help him see and understand. He must then respond with obedience to what he has been taught. 

These verses show how the Christian life moves through mountains, valleys and the in-between. If our faith is stagnant we are not growing. Even down in the pit of despair, maybe especially so, our roots are given an opportunity to grow deeper. God is ever faithful to provide exactly what we need- whether that be a trial to cultivate spiritual maturity, grace to sustain us through it, or a humble spirit to show us we were never in control. The Lord will complete His work in every believer (Philippians 1:6). Although we may not understand our sorrows at times, like the psalmist, these seasons can be used for God’s Glory and our eternal good if we endure. Jesus is holding fast to His beloved. He is holding fast to you.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything […} Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” -James 1:2-4; 12

Grace upon grace,

April 

Further encouragement- This is one of my favorite hymns and appropriate with this post. I hope it blesses you as well. ‘He Will Hold Me Fast’ by Keith and Kristyn Getty