“My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.” -Psalm 119:28
This is a prayer verse dear to my heart. I have prayed this back to the Father in times of need. It is a helpful verse for the downcast Christian. The psalmist does not side-step his emotions by slapping a bandaid on it. He acknowledges his pain which only the Great Physician can heal. The psalmist has not lost hope, as he knows where to go for help. God’s Word is powerful, living, and active. It is the antidote needed for every dead soul. It is the medicine which binds the broken-hearted. Jesus our Living Word has promised that all He does will not return void (Isaiah 55:10-11; John 1:1-2; 14). He is faithfully at work in the one who echoes this prayer-verse. The more we study and pray over His Word is where we will find strength, with God’s gracious help.
“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
“I am laid low in the dust; preserve my life according to Your Word.
I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees.
Let me understand the teaching of Your precepts; then I will meditate on Your wonders.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.
Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through Your law.
I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on Your laws.
I hold fast to Your statutes, O Lord; do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of Your commands, for You have set my heart free.”
Psalm 119:25-32
This section is refreshingly honest. For those who struggle with depression or experience seasons of emotional turmoil, these words provide a voice to their pain. There are plenty of active verbs in this text which show us the rollercoaster of emotions the psalmist endured. It is also good to note how he takes action in the form of pleas and resolutions. He prays for God’s strength as he desires to take hold of the Scriptures and run- not limp along in life. God’s precious truth is restorative, reviving the weary soul, healing the sin-sick sinner. Redemption and perseverance is available to those who seek God. They will not be put to shame.
“Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.” -Psalm 119:24
What comfort we receive like the psalmist, from the Word of God. When the world around us crumbles, relationships sour, people disappoint and harm us, we know where to go to steady our hearts. In the tumbler of affliction and in green pastures, God will quiet our souls with His good Word filled with His promises, revealing His character, His ways, His counsel. What better Counselor has He given His children than His Blessed Holy Spirit? Truly God will never forsake us but especially in our peril. Those in Christ can never be separated from God ever again. The Living Word is taught to us by the Spirit. As He guides us along the Lord’s path, the Words of God are illuminated to our minds, becoming precious to us. The longer we walk with God the more we delight in His wisdom. Truly the soul in Christ is eternally rich.
“Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees.” -Psalm 119:23
Keeping in mind the previous verse, we know the psalmist experienced rejection and injustice from men. Some of these men held power, possibly ruling over him, able to make his life even harder as they saw fit. Yet the psalmist is resolved to not give in to sin as they do, but directs his response Heavenward. It is the only right response for a Christian. Even though rulers of earth lord over people, abusing their God given authority, the psalmist proclaims his allegiance to the Lord. He is God’s servant, submitting to His authority when men try to subvert the Eternal King.
The psalmist will look to God to settle all injustices once and for all. Indeed the Father allowed His own Son Jesus to experience the greatest injustice at the hands of wicked leaders. But what they intended to do for evil God used for His Glory and our eternal good. Praise God for the willing submission of His Suffering Servant!
“Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep Your statutes.” -Psalm 119:22
The scorn and contempt from men is one thing to endure, but to experience this rejection from God would be unendurable. It is literally a living hell. This is why our Lord, rich in mercy, made a way for us to approach Him though we are sinful and undeserving. God sent His Son Jesus to take our rightful place under His wrath, so we never have to bear eternal scorn and contempt from our Lord. As severe as the Lord’s judgment is for the unrepentant sinner, His ocean of mercy washes over the redeemed saint. The contrast could not be greater. There is no middle of the road, no lukewarm setting, no compromising with God.
Our sins carry consequences, justly provoking the Lord in anger. This is why God gave us His commands to follow, to pursue holy living, reflecting His Spirit. It is not a design of legalism, but birthed from an intimate fellowship to please our Lord with how we live day by day. Even when we stumble, “men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His unfailing love. For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men” (Lamentations 3:31-33). Great is God’s mercy over His beloved, elect children.
“You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from Your commands.” -Psalm 119:21
The proverb “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” is appropriate with this verse (Proverbs 16:18). The arrogant are indeed cursed, as they are separated from God eternally. Unless a soul is humbled and learns to walk in humility, their eyes will never be opened to see the need for God’s saving grace. Pride is the besetting sin to all others- it is in our sinful nature to the core. Our pride leads us away from the Lord’s commands, as we determine to do what is right in our own eyes. God must discipline the pride which bubbles up in His children too. He would not be loving if He didn’t faithfully address an area of refuse in our hearts. Yet for the unrepentant man who continually feeds on his hubris, God will outright reject him forever.
God is holy, requiring His children to walk in holiness. He will not be mocked. A true believer may wander off the Lord’s Way but God will graciously redirect his footsteps soon enough. Those whose hearts belong to God will not stay away from Him for long but learn to persevere, mortifying the deeds of the flesh. God uses our weaknesses and temptations to sanctify us for our eternal good and His Glory. Our faithful Father will lead His children by His Spirit.
“My soul is consumed with longing for Your laws at all times.” -Psalm 119:20
As Christians we live in a world which is not as it should be. Even unbelievers recognize this, determined to create a utopian heaven on earth. Sin infects every person, even nature itself (Romans 8:19-23). Our only comfort, our only hope is God. He has revealed Himself through the Living Written Word. His fingerprints touch all of creation, masterfully crafting each sunset; forming the majestic elephant and all creeping things; designing every set of DNA for human life. Nothing is insignificant to our Master or escapes His eye. This is our wonderful blessing in beholding our God- all powerful, all loving, infinite and incomprehensible. Why would we want to worship anything less?
The love of self often gains the throne of hearts, which is why the psalmist sees God’s laws, His revealed Presence, as essential for survival. Without them he is undone and life is truly meaningless. Yet God is faithful to draw near to those who seek Him (Isaiah 55:6-7). Let God’s ways and goodness consume you. Dwell in His mercy today.
“I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.” -Psalm 119:19
Like a foreigner in a strange land, we need guideposts- a map to direct our journey. We may learn the language, culture, and people of where we are but it should never cause us to forget our Homeland Heavenward. This is why the psalmist asks for God to keep His revealed truth near to him, lest he forget and become like a native. No, we must remain separate, set apart as God’s holy vessels. Assimilation is compromising. Just like the Israelites were commanded to not intermarry with foreigners who worshipped idols, we too must worship God alone. He commands it as the first and second commandments (Exodus 20:3-6).
When Ezra the priest read the Law of Moses before the people they wept. The Israelites had wandered far and needed a spiritual revival. This is the danger as strangers in a world that does not naturally worship their Creator. But God is faithful to teach His people and help them on their pilgrim journey. The Lord will seek the sheep which stray, but how much better to remain within the sheep pen remembering God’s good commands.
“Do good to Your servant, and I will live; I will obey Your Word.
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.
I am a stranger on earth; do not hide Your commands from me.
My soul is consumed with longing for Your law at all times.
You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from Your commands.
Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep Your statutes.
Though rulers sit together and slander me, Your servant will meditate on Your decrees.
Your statutes are my delight; they are my counselors.”
Psalm 119:17-24 (Gimel)
This portion is a prayer for the Lord’s quickening- a personal spiritual revival. The psalmist knows what is good for him to truly live as God intended- by following His ways. He asks the Father to give him spiritual vision, an understanding of the law. As we grow in knowledge of God’s Word we are equipped to navigate life’s perilous trials, discern minute decisions, and rightly enjoy God’s blessings. The psalmist has a desire to live in holiness because he loves his God.
Even when he is persecuted for seeking God, the psalmist resolves to persevere in the Lord’s commands because he has experienced God’s love and mercy. He can trust his Father with perfect justice. The Lord will also tether us to Himself through His Word. He holds you fast even when slanderers come. God is our home in a foreign land. He will counsel you as you meditate on His truth. In the interim of his pilgrimage, the psalmist finds solace in going to the words of God. To the psalmist it is like finding a piece of home in a strange land. This is our comfort too- Christ is always near.
redeemed in grace 