“Preserve my life according to Your love, and I will obey the statutes of Your mouth.” -Psalm 119:88

The cry of the psalmist for preservation is not unique to him. Many frightened and weary souls have pleaded for the Lord to protect their physical beings as well as preserve their souls. The psalmist’s prayer is for God to keep him “according to Your love.” He petitions God to remember how much He loves this poor pitiful creature. Then the psalmist declares to pursue holiness as God refreshes his spirit. 

There are times to be brought low and times to be lifted up. We cannot thrive in the valley indefinitely. The Lord knows our weak frame would wear out and wither. He may not remove the affliction, but He does promise to refresh you with His grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). God will give us exactly what we need for optimum spiritual growth. Whatever He decides for us to personally endure He will be faithful to keep you close to Him to the very end. Our Father will not forsake His own. He cannot and will not be faithless. And what will your response be? Will you forget His mercies on you and go about your business? Or will you stop and consider His grace in preserving your spirit for all eternity? The latter response leads to worship and obedience to the Preserver of our souls. No matter our external circumstances, God has promised soul rest through His Son Jesus for all who trust in His sufficient work on the cross. Praise God for our Great Shepherd and High Priest, for now we can approach His Throne of Grace in our time of need and God not only listens to our pleas, but He cares and responds accordingly in His Sovereign Wisdom.

Grace upon grace,

April

Growing deeper: Psalm 23; Hebrews 4:14-16