“If your words had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” Psalm 119:92
“Psalm 119 is about life’s painful realities. And it is about the gifts of God. And it is about how those two meet, talk, come to grips, and find life’s highest delight.” David Powlison
Big Idea: Psalm 119 helps us bring the realities of our life into the pages of Scripture. Or rather, it helps us take the realities of Scripture into the pages of our life. The presence of pain and suffering in our world is not something to be neglected or watered down with theology. It is something that we are to bring to the God who knows, sees, hears, cares, and can do something about it! Psalm 119 is spoken out of fierce, ongoing struggle - but though the psalmist sinks into darkness, he refuses to stay there. He steps out into the light.
Application Questions/Practices:
Take some time, (maybe go for a walk) and talk to God about what His words mean in your life. Be honest (ask questions, express worries/frustrations, tell Him what you are thinking, ask for His help).
What does it mean to keep God’s Word (Psalm 119:17) outside of His explicit commands? For example, how do you “keep” Genesis 1:1? How does God as Creator and Ruler change/instruct your way of living?
How does suffering affect the way you live? How does it affect your relationships with God, and people? Think of past or present trials.
Practice this progression (slowly and repeatedly) continuing to expound on each part:
Lord, You seek me out and show mercy because You are good! (List what you know about God - His character, His love, His good gifts etc.)
I have gone astray like a lost sheep. (Where? How? Why?)
Seek Your servant! (Bring your needs to Jesus - all of them)
For I do not forget your word! (Resolve to stand! Resolve to pursue holiness! Resolve to not wander from the Way! Write down some resolutions and bring them to Jesus!)