LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 119:25-32, I lie in the dust; revive me by Your Word. I told you my plans, and You answered. Now teach me Your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of Your commandments, and I will meditate on Your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by Your Word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by Your regulations. I cling to Your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue Your commands, for You expand my understanding.

The psalmist is seeking God’s strength and guidance; he wants to follow God’s commandments. He is doing exactly what every Believer should do each day – but especially when facing any difficulty or trial. Even when the psalmist was facing trials, he was committed to deepening his faith.

My friend, DC Adkisson, sent me his notes on this Psalm, he indicated the psalmist felt near death, wanting to die rather than continue his life; the only cure was to be in God’s Word. He was “in the dust,” yet “crying out in faith for God’s grace” (DC). God’s Word is incredible! Turning to His Word in times of difficulty can provide the necessary encouragement needed to persevere. There are teachings and examples of those facing severe circumstances who turned to God for His guidance and His strength. God has given these examples for Believers to be encouraged with. He does not change. What He did for those in the Bible, He will do for Believers today! These are eternal truths that help Believers to grow in inner strength and understanding as they walk the narrow way.  

“I cling to Your laws.”  The psalmist has asked the Lord to teach him His Word; he wants to understand it and be able to meditate on it. He has chosen to be faithful to what the Word says. Being faithful, being obedient to God’s Word is a choice each Believer makes every day. “It is holding fast onto the Word, in confidence. The psalmist is now clinging to the Word instead of the dust. To cling to the Word means it is faithfully read over and over. When this is done obedience follows” (DC).

The psalmist reminds Believers that when times of trial come (and they will come), they can find strength and courage to endure from being in the Word of God. Through the Word of God, Believers can face life’s challenges with faith and trust in the Lord. There are plenty of challenges in the world around us. Now is the time to dedicate your walk on the narrow way with passion by daily reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word. Be ready to receive and be obedient to His Words and to lean on his never-ending grace and love. When you do, you will begin to mature and grow closer to Him as he directs your life!