This morning the Lord led me to Psalm 119.

I honestly haven’t spent a lot of time in this passage of scripture as a whole, but the first thing I notice about it this morning is the emphasis on the Word of God, a celebration, and a declaration of confidence in the unfailing Word of God.

“Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; You established the earth, and it abides. They continue this day according to Your ordinances, For all are Your servants.” – Psalm 119: 89-91

I love David’s honesty here. I can so relate to this kind of desperation, sometimes feeling on the edge of a situation, fully relying on the Lord for salvation and deliverance… A reminder as I wait, as I declare my trust, my hope, my confidence in the unfailing Word of God…

“My soul faints for Your salvation,

But I hope in Your word.

My eyes fail from searching Your word,

Saying, “When will You comfort me?” – Psalm 119:81-82

And then I sort of “zeroed in” on this one as my prayer…

“Revive me according to Your lovingkindness,

So that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth.” – Psalm 119:88

What is “lovingkindness”? It’s a whole lot of things, there is so much meaning and depth to that word, but right now I think of this…

It’s God’s tenderness and consideration that He shows His children. It’s part of His character, His heart toward us. He doesn’t have to show lovingkindness towards us, in fact it’s “undeserved” and yet He has a heart that longs to show us mercy, kindness, goodness, and grace.

He revives us out of His lovingkindness for us.

In this Psalm, David is asking for God to revive him out of His lovingkindness, not so that David can just have a spiritual high, not so that he will be happy or blessed, but so that He can give testimony of God’s the faithfulness of God’s Word, testimony of God’s goodness and mercy, that he may continue to walk in a way that is pleasing and glorifying to the Lord.

“Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word.” – Psalm 119:107

“The faithful servants of God may be ‘afflicted’; they may be ‘very much’ and grieviously afflicted: but let them consider, that, by afflictions, their corruptions are purged away, their faith is tried, their patience is perfected, their brethren are edified, and their Master is glorified.” (Horne)

Verse 114 declares,

“You are my hiding place and shield; I hope in Your word.”

This reminds me so much of the promise of Psalm 91. ?

And then it all comes back to the heart…

“I cry out with my whole heart;

Hear me, O LORD!

I will keep Your statutes.

I cry out to You;

Save me, and I will keep Your testimonies.

I rise before the dawning of the morning,

And cry for help;

I hope in Your word.” – Psalm 119:145-147

I take comfort in this…

“There may be no beauty of elocution about such prayers, no length of expression, no depth of doctrine, nor accuracy of diction; but if the whole heart be in them they will find their way to the heart of God.” (Spurgeon)

I take comfort knowing that when I seek the Lord with all of my heart, He knows my heart, He feels my heart! He hears my heart, and He so graciously responds with tender lovingkindness. I “take heart” in His unfailing Word!

Thank You, Lord!

-Heather ?