The longer I have lived, the more I recognize daily reliance on the Lord. Things I once took for granted, I realize are gifts from the Lord, even every single breath we take. The psalmist of Psalm 119 gets this and responds to this truth by crying out to God. He knows he is but dust and is clinging to the dust (verse 25a). In other words, he knows he is in need for his life and the only place that truly gives life is from God’s Word (verse 25b). As he comes in dependence to God, the Lord answers Him. Yet, as we can resonate, this dependence is not a one-time event but continual need for our lives. The patience we need in our parenting. The mercy we need for our marriages. The satisfaction we need in the Lord during our singleness. We need to meditate on the truth of God’s Word and come to Him in daily dependence. In the hard seasons of sorrow, we may feel weak and life may feel fleeting. But God’s Word in those times can strengthen us (verse 28). However, in the trials of life, we can be tempted to buy into the lies that God is not coming through on His promises or that He is not who He says He is. That is why we need to come back to the Word. He invites us to question, but by bringing those questions to Him, not questioning about Him to others. He is gracious toward us. That is why Jesus came to live a sinless life, die a sacrificial death, and rise again. Because of God’s grace! It is because of His grace, we can choose faithfulness, we can cling to His Word, and we will run to His commandments, not away from them. We look to God and His Word for life.

Reflection Questions:

When have you clung to the dust of life rather than to the testimonies of the Author of life?

What area of life do you need to be more intentionally depending on God?