By Steve Sering

Have you ever been despairing of life? Where you feel like you can’t go on any longer? When your heart seems to faint within and your mind spirals out of control? I and many Christians over the centuries have been there. One such believer was British Pastor Charles Spurgeon who lived during the 19^th century. He endured intense bouts of depression which caused him great distress in his ministry. He had a gift of encouraging suffering saints through his teaching. The Psalmist in chapter 119 verses 81-88 also had this gift.

From the very beginning of this stanza, the psalmist cries, “My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word” (v. 81). This familiar sentiment peppers the entire chapter and provides an anchor in the uncertain currents of life. Verse 82 is an appeal to God for comfort amidst affliction. Longing to see God, in a sense, and experience his faithfulness in every situation is what every Christian must strive for daily. I certainly am preaching to myself too! Verse 83 is a metaphor of one’s energies “drying up” like an old, unused wineskin but still longing for life from the Word. To remember the promises of God in the Word is like a medicine for the most deadly disease. As one may be eaten up with cancer yet still beam with hope in the assurance of the gospel. Our circumstances do not determine the power of God’s truth. God’s truth determines the pitiful nature of anything opposed to Yahweh, our covenant-keeping God. 

Verses 84-85 reveal the desperate situation of the author. Perhaps King David was on the run from Saul or his son Absalom, who both tried to kill him. The “insolent” disregarded his kingly status and thus disrespected God who chose him as Israel’s first true king. God promised to preserve David’s kingly line forever, culminating in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. As the “Anointed One” Jesus carried on David’s lineage and redeemed humanity desperate for a Savior. The author was looking for vindication from God, the Defender of his people. Verses 86-87 show that these persecutors lied to the man of God and nearly took his life. You cannot keep a godly man down! With all of heaven on the side of the saint, no force in hell or on earth can destroy him! To God be the glory! How does one get this confidence? It is through the daily reading and heeding of the Word of God. 

Finally, in verse 88, the author circles back to familiar ground. He says, “In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.” It has been said that love is the most powerful force in the universe. I believe this is true, but we must place the power rightly from its divine source, God himself. The Apostle John wrote so eloquently this truth: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). God’s eternal love fuels the tank for our finite love. It is impossible to love God from an unredeemed, unregenerated heart. When God moves in, self moves out. Our hearts are changed and we can call upon that love on the dark days. Lord help us lean on you when the bottom drops out and we can’t see the light. You will never forsake us!

Application Questions:

1. How does God’s promise to love you in your trial motivate you to encourage your community of believers?
2. How can you preach the truth better to yourself when you face dark days that sap your strength?