When will you comfort me?
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Psalm 119:81–88 (KJV 1900)
81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word.
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.
84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me?
85 The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law.
86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Introduction
Introduction
Summary: Even when we feel overwhelmed and without any comfort we should remain steadfast in our commitment to God’s Word.
Jesus told his followers, including us, that he was sending them out as sheep among wolves Matthew 10:16 “16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.”
16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
By his own suffering at the hands of his enemies, he left us an example of how to suffer in this life for the glory of God 1 Peter 3:13-18 “13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:”
13 And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
And yet the suffering is still real, and painful. The apostle Paul explained it in words that are similar to many laments, that we groan inwardly, waiting for the day of redemption to come Romans 8:23 “23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.”
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
Since we do not know exactly how to pray, the Spirit of God intercedes with groaning on our behalf. Romans 8:26 “26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Like the psalmist we may appeal to the love of God when we pray for deliverance from our afflictions. Romans 8:38-39 “38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It hurts more because I feel completely abandoned by God 81 When wilt thou comfort me?
It feels like this has been long enough “84 How many are the days of thy servant?
Though I am alive I feel like I am dead. “88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”
“In the first four verses of this section, we see how deep the persecuted servant of God may draw in his affliction before God gives him comfort. And in the last four, we see how he should behave himself in that sad condition.” David Dickson Scottish commentator
It hurts more because I feel completely abandoned by God
It hurts more because I feel completely abandoned by God
Psalm 119:81-83 “81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.”
81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes.
Failing Strength
Failing Strength
Many of us have been here before. Psalm 3:2 “2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.”
2 Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah.
Eyes begin to fail. Psalm 119:82 “82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me?”
82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me?
Eyes are watching for a sign of God’s answer
He is looking for comfort
His soul and spiritual life felt dry. 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke;
Though this illustration speaks about the difficult nature of the psalmist’s trial, it also speaks to the character of the trial: “Our trials are smoke, but not fire; they are very uncomfortable, but they do not consume us.” (Spurgeon)
Loss of direction in life
Loss of direction in life
We begin to lose courage and strength as our hope begins to fade. Psalm 31:24 “24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, All ye that hope in the Lord.”
24 Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, All ye that hope in the Lord.
Leading is believing. “We cannot lead in a way that is faithful to Christ and effective for Christ’s people if we are not deeply invested in Christian truth. We cannot faithfully lead if we do not first faithfully believe.” ― Albert Mohler, The Conviction to Lead: 25 Principles for Leadership That Matters
desperate yet not despairing 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 “8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;”
8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
It feels like this has been long enough
It feels like this has been long enough
Psalm 119:84-87 “84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? (lament) 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.”
84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
Distraction and despair
Distraction and despair
We understand how the distraction and despair have caused him to lose focus on God’s word. No reference to God’s Word in v.84 (rare in Psalm 119)
1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, Who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, And that seek him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity: They walk in his ways. 4 Thou hast commanded us To keep thy precepts diligently. 5 O that my ways were directed To keep thy statutes! 6 Then shall I not be ashamed, When I have respect unto all thy commandments. 7 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, When I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. 8 I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. 9 BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. 12 Blessed art thou, O Lord: Teach me thy statutes. 13 With my lips have I declared All the judgments of thy mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, As much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate in thy precepts, And have respect unto thy ways. 16 I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, And keep thy word. 18 Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. 19 I am a stranger in the earth: Hide not thy commandments from me. 20 My soul breaketh for the longing That it hath unto thy judgments at all times. 21 Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, Which do err from thy commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt; For I have kept thy testimonies. 23 Princes also did sit and speak against me: But thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. 24 Thy testimonies also are my delight And my counsellers. 25 DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: Quicken thou me according to thy word. 26 I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: Teach me thy statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: So shall I talk of thy wondrous works. 28 My soul melteth for heaviness: Strengthen thou me according unto thy word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying: And grant me thy law graciously. 30 I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me. 31 I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O Lord, put me not to shame. 32 I will run the way of thy commandments, When thou shalt enlarge my heart. 33 HE. Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; And I shall keep it unto the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; Yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; For therein do I delight. 36 Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, And not to covetousness. 37 Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; And quicken thou me in thy way. 38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, Who is devoted to thy fear. 39 Turn away my reproach which I fear: For thy judgments are good. 40 Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: Quicken me in thy righteousness. 41 VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O Lord, Even thy salvation, according to thy word. 42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: For I trust in thy word. 43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; For I have hoped in thy judgments. 44 So shall I keep thy law continually For ever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty: For I seek thy precepts. 46 I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in thy commandments, Which I have loved. 48 My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; And I will meditate in thy statutes. 49 ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, Upon which thou hast caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction: For thy word hath quickened me. 51 The proud have had me greatly in derision: Yet have I not declined from thy law. 52 I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; And have comforted myself. 53 Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked That forsake thy law. 54 Thy statutes have been my songs In the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered thy name, O Lord, in the night, And have kept thy law. 56 This I had, Because I kept thy precepts. 57 CHETH. Thou art my portion, O Lord: I have said that I would keep thy words. 58 I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: Be merciful unto me according to thy word. 59 I thought on my ways, And turned my feet unto thy testimonies. 60 I made haste, and delayed not To keep thy commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me: But I have not forgotten thy law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee Because of thy righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all them that fear thee, And of them that keep thy precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy: Teach me thy statutes. 65 TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O Lord, according unto thy word. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge: For I have believed thy commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: But now have I kept thy word. 68 Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me: But I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease; But I delight in thy law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; That I might learn thy statutes. 72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me Than thousands of gold and silver. 73 JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: Give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. 74 They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; Because I have hoped in thy word. 75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, And that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. 76 Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, According to thy word unto thy servant. 77 Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: For thy law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: But I will meditate in thy precepts. 79 Let those that fear thee turn unto me, And those that have known thy testimonies. 80 Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; That I be not ashamed. 81 CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: But I hope in thy word. 82 Mine eyes fail for thy word, Saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83 For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; Yet do I not forget thy statutes. 84 How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85 The proud have digged pits for me, Which are not after thy law. 86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts. 88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. 89 LAMED. For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven. 90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: Thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. 91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: For all are thy servants. 92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. 93 I will never forget thy precepts: For with them thou hast quickened me. 94 I am thine, save me; For I have sought thy precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: But I will consider thy testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection: But thy commandment is exceeding broad. 97 MEM. O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day. 98 Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: For they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: For thy testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, Because I keep thy precepts. 101 I have refrained my feet from every evil way, That I might keep thy word. 102 I have not departed from thy judgments: For thou hast taught me. 103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: Therefore I hate every false way. 105 NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, And a light unto my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, That I will keep thy righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much: Quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. 108 Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, And teach me thy judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand: Yet do I not forget thy law. 110 The wicked have laid a snare for me: Yet I erred not from thy precepts. 111 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: For they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes Alway, even unto the end. 113 SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: But thy law do I love. 114 Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. 115 Depart from me, ye evildoers: For I will keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: And let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: And I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 118 Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: For their deceit is falsehood. 119 Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: Therefore I love thy testimonies. 120 My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; And I am afraid of thy judgments. 121 AIN. I have done judgment and justice: Leave me not to mine oppressors. 122 Be surety for thy servant for good: Let not the proud oppress me. 123 Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, And for the word of thy righteousness. 124 Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, And teach me thy statutes. 125 I am thy servant; give me understanding, That I may know thy testimonies. 126 It is time for thee, Lord, to work: For they have made void thy law. 127 Therefore I love thy commandments Above gold; yea, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; And I hate every false way. 129 PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: Therefore doth my soul keep them. 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple. 131 I opened my mouth, and panted: For I longed for thy commandments. 132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, As thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. 133 Order my steps in thy word: And let not any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: So will I keep thy precepts. 135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; And teach me thy statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, Because they keep not thy law. 137 TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments. 138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous And very faithful. 139 My zeal hath consumed me, Because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. 140 Thy word is very pure: Therefore thy servant loveth it. 141 I am small and despised: Yet do not I forget thy precepts. 142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, And thy law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: Yet thy commandments are my delights. 144 The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: Give me understanding, and I shall live. 145 KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; Hear me, O Lord: I will keep thy statutes. 146 I cried unto thee; save me, And I shall keep thy testimonies. 147 I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. 148 Mine eyes prevent the night watches, That I might meditate in thy word. 149 Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O Lord, quicken me according to thy judgment. 150 They draw nigh that follow after mischief: They are far from thy law. 151 Thou art near, O Lord; And all thy commandments are truth. 152 Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old That thou hast founded them for ever. 153 RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: For I do not forget thy law. 154 Plead my cause, and deliver me: Quicken me according to thy word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked: For they seek not thy statutes. 156 Great are thy tender mercies, O Lord: Quicken me according to thy judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; Yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. 158 I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; Because they kept not thy word. 159 Consider how I love thy precepts: Quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness. 160 Thy word is true from the beginning: And every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. 161 SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: But my heart standeth in awe of thy word. 162 I rejoice at thy word, As one that findeth great spoil. 163 I hate and abhor lying: But thy law do I love. 164 Seven times a day do I praise thee Because of thy righteous judgments. 165 Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them. 166 Lord, I have hoped for thy salvation, And done thy commandments. 167 My soul hath kept thy testimonies; And I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: For all my ways are before thee. 169 TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O Lord: Give me understanding according to thy word. 170 Let my supplication come before thee: Deliver me according to thy word. 171 My lips shall utter praise, When thou hast taught me thy statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak of thy word: For all thy commandments are righteousness. 173 Let thine hand help me; For I have chosen thy precepts. 174 I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; And thy law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; And let thy judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; For I do not forget thy commandments.
Psalmist feels as if he is being hunted like an animal. 85 The proud have digged pits for me
Cause of pain seems unaffected by right and wrong
Cause of pain seems unaffected by right and wrong
The cause of pain has no concern for God’s Word. Which are not after thy law.
In this Psalm it comes from unjust people, but the pain can come from unfair circumstances that seem to have no concern for right and wrong.
Help thou me
Help thou me
When you get to the end of your rope tie a knot and hold on. 87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.”
Psalmist felt completely destroyed but held on to something undestructable.
When we reach out to God in obedient faith, His comfort is always available.
The time of waiting is a time of testing
The time of waiting is a time of testing
1 Samuel 28:6-7 “6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.”
6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets. 7 Then said Saul unto his servants, Seek me a woman that hath a familiar spirit, that I may go to her, and inquire of her. And his servants said to him, Behold, there is a woman that hath a familiar spirit at En-dor.
You have to decide what you will do in the “the Lord answered him not” seasons of your life.
Memorizing Psalm 40:1-3 would be something you could do while waiting.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:1–3 (KJV 1900)
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; And he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord.
What we see in this Psalm
What we see in this Psalm
Don’t just sit and wait, go and vocalize your praise as you wait.
As David does this he gets caught up in the wonder of God. Psalm 40:5 “5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, And thy thoughts which are to us-ward: They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.”
5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, And thy thoughts which are to us-ward: They cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: If I would declare and speak of them, They are more than can be numbered.
David’s commits to declaring his thoughts about God so that others can hear them:
New song in his mouth. 40:3
Declare and speak them. 40:5
Not restrained lips 40:9 Psalm 40:9
9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: Lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest.
Not hidden, spoken, not concealed. 40:10
David is rejoicing the middle of his war not at the closing ceremony
David is rejoicing the middle of his war not at the closing ceremony
This shows a very realistic view of our problems.
Psalm 40:12-13 “12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.”
12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart faileth me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me.
David celebrates his past deliverance in the midst of needing to be delivered again.
David remembers he is not alone. Psalm 40:17 “17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.”
17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: Thou art my help and my deliverer; Make no tarrying, O my God.
Though I am alive I feel like I am dead
Though I am alive I feel like I am dead
Psalm 119:88 “88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Prayer to quicken is an acknowledgement of death
Prayer to quicken is an acknowledgement of death
More than a prayer of survival, he wants to be able to enjoy life.
Quickening our greatest need
Quickening His greatest gift.
Help thou me
Help thou me
Psalm 119:86 “86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.”
86 All thy commandments are faithful: They persecute me wrongfully; help thou me.
How? Psalm 119:88 “88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
So much power in the word “almost” Psalm 119:87 “87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.”
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
Many testimonies start with “I almost didn’t make it..”
"Almost," but not altogether. The saving clause: "I forsook not thy precepts."
Why? Psalm 119:88 “88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.”
88 Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; So shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.
Desires to live out God’s Word before others
Nothing would make the psalmist forsake God’s word. Psalm 119:87 “87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.”
87 They had almost consumed me upon earth; But I forsook not thy precepts.
The psalmist rightly understood that the word of God actually came from the mouth of God.
Jesus does know how you feel
Jesus does know how you feel
I am very careful to tell people “I know how they feel” even if I have been through something very similar. It is never exactly the same.
Hebrews 5:7-8 “7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;”
7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
Jesus would have experienced a “homesickness” for the presence of his Father far more profound and painful than anything we’ve experienced.
Jesus lived sinless in a sinful world. You could call him the white sheep of the family.
The most lonely moment in history must have taken place on the Cross. Matthew 27:46 “46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?”
46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
This necessary separation made all other separations optional.
Conclusion
Conclusion
What are we to do today with our loneliness, waiting, and feelings of sadness that make us feel almost dead?
What are we to do today with our loneliness, waiting, and feelings of sadness that make us feel almost dead?
We are not alone. God has not forsaken us. Much of our waiting has been dependent on us.
“When will You comfort me?”
God’s Time for Comforting, Spurgeon sought to give some practical answers to the question,
· Comfort will come when we put away unbelief.
· Comfort will come when we are finished complaining.
· Comfort will come when we put away the sin that we tolerate.
· Comfort will come when we fulfill the duties we have neglected.
So with every lonely need. Hebrews 4:16 “16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.