From Dust to Devotion - Oct. 26th, 2025

Title: From Dust to Devotion: How God Revives the Heart to Run

Passage: Psalm 119:25-32 (Daleth)

Central Idea of the Text (CIT): The psalmist pleaded for God’s reviving and instruction through His Word, which renewed his resolve to obey.

Sermonic Proposition: Believers today should seek revival through God’s Word so they can rise from despair to wholehearted obedience.

Statement of Purpose: Consecrative: I want my hearers to experience God’s reviving of their hearts through His Word, so that they will commit to run with renewed zeal in obedience to Christ’s call (especially in fulfilling His Great Commission).

Introduction

On a hot summer day working from the back of a sweat box (i.e., armored truck) Colorado foothills, I once found myself utterly exhausted, in triple-digit temperatures, in the hottest part of the afternoon, my lungs burning, the air was filled with particulates, and my strength gone. I remember the taste of dust in the air in my mouth and the feeling of weakness that made even standing up to service my next stop seem impossible. On those days, my driver and I had a deal. As soon as it was 2pm, along our route there was a Sonic. I can’t begin to tell you what that refreshing, icy, fruit-flavored (my favorite was always the Cherry, with an extra-shot of Cherry) cup of frozen goodness did to my parched throat. Suddenly new life surged through me. I went from wallowing in my dusty seat to moving forward again, finishing out my workday.

The question is: How do we rise again when our soul is in the dust? How does a child of God go from despair back to devotion, from lying down to running forward? Psalm 119:25-32 (the Daleth stanza) answers that question. It shows us a man who starts on his face in the dirt, crying out for help, and by the end is up on his feet sprinting with a renewed heart. The turning point, the agent of this change, is the Word of God. In these eight verses the psalmist prays for God to revive him “according to Thy word.” In fact, he mentions God’s Word in every verse, using terms like statutes, precepts, law, judgments, testimonies, commandments. It is God’s Word that lifts him out of the dust and sets him running.

Let’s follow the psalmist from the dust of despair to the delight of devotion, and learn how God revives the heart to run.

I. Desperate Lament and Divine Reviving (vv. 25, 28): From Clinging to the Dust to Quickened by the Word

The stanza opens with raw honesty about the psalmist’s condition. “My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken Thou me according to Thy word” (v.25). Then again in verse 28: “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen Thou me according unto Thy word.” In these twin cries we hear both the depth of his despair and the direction of his hope. Let’s unpack that.

A. Admitting Our Deepest Need (v.25a, 28a).

The psalmist doesn’t sugarcoat his state. “My soul cleaves to the dust.” That’s an ancient way of saying, “I’m as low as I can go.” Dust is the stuff of death and decay, God told Adam, “dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return” (Gen. 3:19). To say one’s soul is cleaving to dust implies extreme affliction, near death in spirit if not in body[3]. In other words, “Lord, I am laid out flat. I have nothing left.” Have you ever been there? The psalmist adds, “My soul melteth for heaviness.” He’s describing that inner collapse under grief, tears have drained his strength. Picture a candle melting down under intense heat; his heart has “turned to wax,” overwhelmed by sorrow. This is a powerful description of emotional and spiritual depression[1]. The first step in revival is to admit our need. The psalmist essentially says, “Lord, I’m down in the dirt and dissolving in tears.” There’s no pretense, no pride, just desperate honesty. And God invites the same from us. If you’re dried up or cast down, tell the Lord. Cry out, “I am needy, O God!” As believers we shouldn’t feel we must always put on a brave face. Here is a godly man confessing utter weakness. It reminds us of Paul’s words, “when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Cor. 12:10). Why? Because our weakness, owned and offered to God, becomes a channel for His life-giving power.

B. Pleading God’s Promise for Life (v.25b, 28b).

In each case, immediately after voicing his distress, the psalmist turns to petition: “quicken Thou me according to Thy word… strengthen Thou me according unto Thy word.” He says, “Lord, You quicken me, according to Your Word. Lord, You strengthen me, as Your Word promises.” He’s asking God, “Give me life! Breathe into me again!” And note, he bases the request on God’s Word. This phrase “according to Thy word” is crucial. The psalmist is laying hold of what God has already said to fuel his prayer. I’m holding You to it. Revive me as You have said.” There is bold faith in this kind of praying. He brings God’s own promise to the throne of grace, knowing that “there is no plea like a promise”[2]. Christian, when you are low, do likewise. Don’t merely pray your feelings, pray God’s promises. Find hope in what He has said. “Remember the word unto Thy servant, upon which Thou hast caused me to hope” (Ps. 119:49). God’s Word is an anchor in affliction. The psalmist believes that “according to [God’s] word” is the only sure remedy for his condition[4]. He doesn’t ask merely for comfort or a temporary boost; he asks for life itself from the Life-Giver. One commentator observes, “The Bible…gives life to the dead. Even after we are saved…the soul often needs to be quickened and restored”[5]. How true! We have been given eternal life in Christ, yet in the grind of this world our souls can slump and need fresh quickening. And praise God, He can do it! He “restoreth my soul” (Ps. 23:3). “The entrance of Thy words giveth light” (Ps. 119:130), and life!

Notice also the second petition: “strengthen Thou me according unto Thy word.” If quicken asks for new life, strengthen asks for endurance. “Lord, shore up my failing heart with the strength Your Word offers.” The psalmist believes Scripture has power to impart strength to the weak. David wrote elsewhere, “My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen Thou me according unto Thy word”, in fact, that’s this very verse. Isaiah 40:31 echoes, “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength.” How does God strengthen us? Often through the promises and encouragements of His Word applied by His Spirit. When Jesus was in agony in Gethsemane, an angel strengthened Him, but note that Jesus was also praying, communing with His Father’s will (Luke 22:43-44). Strength came as He submitted to God’s Word. Likewise, when we feel we cannot go on, God can fortify us by a timely Scripture that puts steel in our spine. Perhaps you were ready to give up, and then a verse spoke directly to you, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee… I will strengthen thee” (Isa. 41:10), and suddenly you sensed God’s help. The Word turned your exhaustion into perseverance. More of God’s life is the cure for all our ailments[6]. That’s what the psalmist knew. He asked for more life from God rather than an escape from trouble. He knew if God poured in life, everything else would eventually fall into place. Do we pray like that in our low moments? Not just “Lord, get me out of this,” but “Lord, revive me through this, according to Your promise!” That is a plea God loves to answer.

Application:

When your soul is clinging to the dust, turn to the God who can breathe into dust and create life (remember Adam). Cling to His promises. There is reviving power in the Word of God. The same Word that can save a sinner from death can save a saint from despair. Make it your habit in discouragement to open the Bible and pray, “Lord, speak life to me here. I’m taking You at Your Word.” This is intensely practical. If you’re grieving or depressed, find Scriptures that speak to that condition (the Psalms are full of them) and pray them back to God. Let God’s Word dust you off and fire you up again.

So it must be with us. Pray, “Lord, revive me by Your Word so I can run to do Your will.” Spiritual revival precedes effective mission[9][10]. If we want to see God work through us, we must first let Him work in us, breathing new life into our dusty souls.

II. Confession and Illumination (vv. 26-27): From Declaring Our Ways to Delighting in God’s Works

In verses 26 and 27 we see a transition. The psalmist moves from lament to learning. Having cried out for life, he now opens his heart to God in confession and asks for illumination. Verse 26 says, “I have declared my ways, and Thou heardest me: teach me Thy statutes.” Verse 27 continues, “Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts: so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.” Here we learn that when God revives us, He also teaches and transforms us. The pattern is: honest confession, divine instruction, and then a commitment to proclamation.

A. Honest Confession and God’s Response (v.26a).

“I have declared my ways, and Thou heardest me.” The psalmist looks back and remembers pouring out “his ways” to the Lord. To declare one’s ways is to tell God everything, all one’s path, problems, failures, and needs. In essence, he’s saying, “Lord, I laid my life bare before You, and You listened.” What a tender truth: God heard him. In his low condition, he not only cried for help, he also confessed his life situation fully to God. Revival often begins with repentance and coming clean. “I acknowledged my sin unto Thee… and Thou forgavest” (Ps. 32:5). Here, declaring his ways shows the psalmist is not hiding anything. He’s essentially prayed, “Search me, O God; here is where I am.” And God answered, likely with forgiveness and comfort. The burden of guilt or confusion was lifted. There is relief in that statement. One commentator notes that this frank confession “proved that the man knows his own condition, and is no longer blinded by pride,” and God’s gracious hearing brought him relief[11]. He is the God who “hears the cry of the afflicted.” Think of the prodigal son: “he came to himself” in the pigsty and rehearsed his confession, then went to his father. The father met him with open arms. Similarly, this psalmist “declared his ways” to the Father and found God’s ears open.

B. A Teachable Spirit: “Teach me, make me understand…” (v.26b-27a).

Fresh from being heard and presumably forgiven, the psalmist doesn’t stop there. He hungers for instruction: “teach me Thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of Thy precepts.” This is crucial. When God lifts us up, it’s not just to make us feel better; it’s to set us on the right path. The psalmist prays like a student eager to learn after a close call. “Lord, I don’t want to go wrong again. Show me Your ways.” Having declared his ways (his past), now he asks, “Lord, show me Your ways (Your statutes and precepts) for the future.” This is a beautiful posture: revived, but humble and teachable[12][13]. He knows he hasn’t “arrived.” How we need this attitude! No matter how long we’ve been saved, we must remain students of the Word. “Teach me… make me understand,” should be our daily prayer. The double request (teach me, make me understand) shows intensity. He’s essentially saying, “Give me a deep grasp of Your Word, Lord, not just head knowledge, but heart understanding of the way of Your precepts.” The word “way” suggests a path or practical course. He wants to know how to live out God’s instructions, how to walk in truth daily. This isn’t an armchair theologian seeking trivia; this is a traveler asking for a reliable map. He desires, in Spurgeon’s words, “a deep insight into the practical meaning” of God’s precepts[14]. He has tasted the bitterness of going his own way; now he longs for the sweet guidance of God’s way. It’s worth noting that being revived should make us more teachable, not less. If God lifts you up, don’t wander off again, press in to learn His statutes more. In times of renewal, our minds are especially open to God’s truth.

And let’s apply this to our church: a revived church will be a Bible-learning church. When God stirs our hearts, the next cry is “Lord, teach us! We want to know Your will, Your ways, how to serve You better.” One mark of revival historically has been a renewed appetite for Scripture. I pray that as God revives us individually, our whole congregation develops an even greater hunger for God’s statutes. Sunday School, Bible study, daily devotions, these become delights when our hearts are alive to God.

C. From Illumination to Proclamation (v.27b).

Don’t miss the purpose clause in verse 27: “Make me to understand… so shall I talk of Thy wondrous works. He isn’t asking for understanding just to be smart or feel holy; he wants it so that he can testify of God’s works. This is incredible. He vows that if God will enlighten him, he will pass it on. Illumination will lead to proclamation. “Then I will talk of all that You do, Lord.” We see this pattern elsewhere in Scripture. David prayed, “Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation… then will I teach transgressors Thy ways” (Ps. 51:12-13). When God restores joy and understanding, we become eager to tell others the gospel truth. The psalmist promises to “talk of Thy wondrous works.” In our context, the greatest wondrous work is Christ’s death and resurrection. We who have been taught by God’s Word should be bursting to talk about Jesus’ saving work! Spurgeon noted on this verse: “When our heart has been opened to understand, our lips should be opened to impart knowledge.”[15] Amen. If God answers our prayer for understanding, it’s not so we can hide it under a bushel. It’s so we can share the good news.

Application:

See how it works? God illuminates us so we can illuminate others. If He has revived your soul and taught you some precious truth, look for someone to encourage with it. “So shall I talk of Thy wondrous works.” That’s a promise we all should keep. And in our missions emphasis, consider: Has God done wondrous works in your life? Salvation, provision, answered prayers? Then part of our missions mandate is to “talk of those works” to people who’ve never heard. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! (Ps. 107:2).

III. Choosing Truth and Shunning Falsehood (vv. 29-30): A Renewed Commitment to the Right Path

Having received life and learning from God, the psalmist now turns to the practical direction of his life. Revival moves him to repentance and resolve. In verses 29-30 he prays for a cleansing from falsehood and makes a firm choice to walk in truth. “Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me Thy law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me.” Here we see that a revived heart doesn’t want to go back to the muck. It wants to walk in God’s truth. These verses highlight sanctification, being set apart from sin and set on the path of righteousness, as a key outcome of spiritual renewal.

A. Renouncing the False Way (v.29).

“Remove from me the way of lying.” The psalmist asks God to take away any path of falsehood from his life. “The way of lying” can refer to dishonesty in speech, but more broadly it means any false path, any life of sin, error, or deception[16]. He’s essentially saying, “Lord, I don’t want to live a lie. Keep me far from any deceitful or sinful way.” Notice, he not only wants to leave the false way; he wants it removed from him. Spurgeon commented that David “would not only be kept from that way, but have it kept from him; he cannot endure to have it near”[17]. This is true repentance. He’s asking God to put distance between him and his old ways. When God revives us, He also gives us a holy hatred for the sin that dragged us down. The psalmist is done with illusions, he wants only truth. And he knows he needs God’s help to escape falsehood’s pull. So he prays, “Remove it from me, Lord. Uproot the lies I’ve believed, the bad habits I’ve formed, the dishonest tendencies of my heart.” It’s a bold prayer. It might mean God will convict us deeply or even discipline us to break us from a sinful pattern. In revival, the filth that once seemed “not so bad” becomes intolerable. We begin to see sin as God sees it, a false way that we must avoid at all costs.

“…and grant me Thy law graciously.” In the same breath, he asks God to gift him His law. Interesting phrase: “grant me Thy law graciously.” It acknowledges that understanding and obeying God’s law is a grace, a gift. “Lord, favor me with a clear grasp of Your instructions. I don’t deserve it, but please, in grace, give me Your law in my heart.” It’s not enough to remove the bad; he wants it replaced with truth. This reminds me of Ephesians 4:22-24, where Paul says to put off the old man (lying, etc.) and put on the new man, created in righteousness and true holiness. You put off falsehood, put on truth. The psalmist prays in that order: take away the false, add the true. And note, he sees God’s law as a grace, not a burden[18]. Only a revived heart can say that! In sin, we think God’s law restricts us; when renewed, we realize God’s law is a precious gift, a grace that guides us in the best way. “He is in a gracious state who looks upon the law as a gift of grace,” one commentator writes[19]. Amen. To want God’s law is evidence of a heart alive to God. But when born again, suddenly His Word is sweet, even the corrections. If you find yourself seeing obedience as a gift rather than a chore, that’s God’s grace at work in you.

B. Choosing the True Way (v.30).

After the prayer of verse 29, verse 30 is the psalmist’s declaration of intent: “I have chosen the way of truth: Thy judgments have I laid before me.” This is a wonderful statement of personal decision. He actively chooses the path of truth. In contrast to the “way of lying,” he opts for the “way of truth.” This is repentance in action, a turning from and a turning to. Notice, he doesn’t say “I will try the way of truth” or “I admire the way of truth”, he says “I have chosen” it. It’s deliberate and settled. He makes a decisive choice. The psalmist here does just that. By God’s grace, having been revived, he makes a firm commitment to walk in God’s truth going forward.

He adds, “Thy judgments have I laid before me.” This imagery is beautiful. To lay God’s judgments (ordinances) before you is to set His Word out in plain view as your standard and guide[20][21]. It’s like saying, “I’ve put Your map on the table, Lord, and I’m following it. Your judgments are constantly before my eyes, showing me the way.” This shows ongoing dedication. It’s not just an emotional choice; it’s a practical one. He will continually refer to God’s decrees to direct his steps. Together, these phrases paint a portrait of wholehearted fidelity to God’s Word[22]. The psalmist is aligning his life to Scripture intentionally.

Application:

The phrase “laid before me” suggests focus. If God’s judgments are laid out in front of your eyes, it implies you’re intentionally focusing on them. We often talk about keeping our eyes on Jesus or on the goal. Here it’s keeping our eyes on His Word. In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian had a roll (scroll of God’s promises) he was supposed to consult. When he neglected it, he fell into danger. Let’s learn: lay God’s Word before you and you’ll stay on the true way.

IV. Clinging in Faith and Running in Freedom (vv. 31-32): The Outcome of Revival: Perseverance and Zeal

Now we reach the climax of the stanza. The psalmist who was clinging to the dust at the start is now clinging to God’s testimonies and prepared to run. Verses 31-32 say, “I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.” What a transformation! From cleaving to dust to clinging to God, from a soul that was melting to a heart that is enlarged and running. Let’s consider these final verses in two parts: perseverance in faith (v.31) and empowered obedience (v.32).

A. Clinging to God’s Testimonies, Persevering Faith (v.31).

“I have stuck unto Thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame.” The word “stuck” in Hebrew is the same verb as “cleave” in verse 25[23]. It literally means to cling, to stick like glue. Early on, his soul was clinging to the dust; now he clings to God’s testimonies, a term for God’s covenant promises or solemn declarations. He’s no longer stuck to the ground in despair; he’s stuck to the Word of God in faith. The picture here is one of steadfast loyalty and dependence. “Lord, I’m holding on to Your testimonies for dear life.” Sometimes that’s what faith is: a determined clinging to God’s Word when everything else is trying to pull you away. The psalmist’s next phrase: “O LORD, put me not to shame,” in Hebrew idiom, to be put to shame means to be disappointed or disgraced in the end[25]. He’s praying, “Lord, don’t let me down. I’ve staked my hope on Your Word; vindicate that hope. Don’t let my enemies triumph or mock me saying my faith was in vain.” This is a humble, earnest plea. It’s not that he distrusts God, it’s actually an expression of trust. He believes God is faithful and asks God to demonstrate that faithfulness.

In terms of application, verse 31 calls us to perseverance. Revival is not just a flash in the pan; it results in stick-to-it faith. The psalmist doesn’t say “I clung for a moment,” but “I have stuck”, implying continuance. We too must determine, by God’s grace, to stick to His Word come what may. When feelings of discouragement return (and they can), cling again to the promises. When skeptics mock your faith, hold tighter to God’s testimonies and say, “Let God be true, but every man a liar.” In mission work, this perseverance is vital. Missionaries often face seasons where visible results are minimal and they might be tempted to think, “Am I ashamed for hoping in God here?” But those who cling to God’s promise that His Word will not return void will in due season reap, if they faint not. We can pray with the psalmist, “Lord, we’ve obeyed Your call, we’ve trusted Your promise, now honor Your name and don’t let our hope be put to shame.” Adoniram Judson in Burma waited years for a convert, clinging to God’s promise that His Word is seed that will bear fruit. He was not ultimately put to shame, the harvest eventually came. At the last day, no one who trusted Christ will be disappointed.

Also, note the relational aspect: “O LORD.” He addresses God by name (JHVH). This is a covenant interaction. He’s basically saying, “Lord, You are my God and I’m Your servant; I’ve been faithful to Your covenant word, now, Lord, be faithful to me (as I know You are) so that I won’t experience disgrace.” For us under the new covenant, we might pray, “Father, I’ve trusted in Jesus; don’t let me be ashamed of that hope.” And God answers: “Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed.” There’s a sweet assurance in that. You can pray it right back to God. He will uphold His Word and those who cling to it. Our duty is to cling; His promise is to keep us from shame.

B. Running with an Enlarged Heart: Zealous Obedience (v.32).

The final verse soars: “I will run the way of Thy commandments, when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.” What a closing image! Earlier he was barely crawling; now he’s running. And not running away from God, but running in the way of God’s commands, that is, he’s eager and swift to do God’s will. Running implies enthusiasm, speed, delight. It’s the difference between dragging your feet and sprinting with joy. This is the end result of God’s reviving work: not just that we stand up out of the dust, but that we take off with renewed vigor in our spiritual journey. When God brings you through a valley and revives you, you often come out with fresh zeal, ready to serve Him like never before. The psalmist is saying, “Lord, I’m not going to merely walk in Your commandments, I’m going to run! I am all in, full throttle for You.” Isn’t that a wonderful transformation? It challenges me: do I run in obedience or plod reluctantly? When our hearts are right, obedience is a delight, not a chore, and we find ourselves running gladly in God’s paths[28].

But note the condition: “when Thou shalt enlarge my heart.” He knows that his ability to run fervently is wholly dependent on God’s work within. An enlarged heart means a heart expanded with new capacity, joy, and strength[29]. In the natural sense, someone with “heart trouble” can barely walk a few steps, but if their heart is strong (enlarged in capacity), they can run miles. Spiritually, when we are constricted by sorrow or sin, our “heart” (our inner man) is narrow and weak. But when God enlarges our heart, fills us with His Spirit, joy, love, and strength, we can run freely. The psalmist isn’t crediting himself for the future running; he says “when You enlarge my heart.” He recognizes this critical truth: God must work in us before we can work for Him[30][31]. “Lord, I will do it, I will obey with everything I’ve got, but only when You empower me inwardly.” This guards against both laziness (because he commits to run) and pride (because he admits it’s only possible by God’s enabling). Philippians 2:13 comes to mind: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” Exactly. God enlarges the heart; then we run the race. But we can’t run by our own might, we need enlarged hearts.

Love can enlarge a heart too, when you deeply love God and people, you’ll run to serve. The verse implies that the psalmist is asking for this enlargement (even though it’s phrased as a statement). We might turn it into a direct prayer: “Enlarge my heart, Lord, and I will run.” In fact, Charles Spurgeon preached that the second clause could be rendered “because Thou shalt enlarge my heart”, as a confident assertion that God will do it[32]. The psalmist expects God to answer all those previous prayers (quicken me, teach me, remove falsehood, etc.), and as a result, his heart will be set free and energized. Then, watch out, he’s going to run! One commentator said, “Once God liberates him, his running is the spontaneous leaping forward of a heart set free by God.”[31] I love that. Have you seen a deer or a horse that’s been penned up and then gets released into an open field? It runs with delight because it’s free. That’s the psalmist now: free from the dust, free from the weight of sin and sorrow, free to sprint in God’s ways. Jesus said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). Here is truth freeing a man to run.

Let’s not miss the sheer joy in this. Earlier verses carried tones of desperation and determination; this one rings with exhilaration. This is delight-driven obedience. He’s not running grudgingly; his heart is enlarged, meaning he’s full of joy and willingness[33]. When God revives us, obeying Him becomes our greatest delight, we want to run in His path. The Westminster Catechism famously says man’s chief end is “to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” The psalmist is enjoying God’s ways as he runs. Psalm 119:14 says, “I have rejoiced in the way of Thy testimonies, as much as in all riches.” Here he demonstrates that joy by running.

Application:

Are we running or merely strolling in our walk with God? Perhaps some of us find obedience hard and slow because our hearts are narrow. The answer is not to try harder in the flesh, but to seek God for an enlarged heart. Pray for a greater capacity to love Him, a greater excitement for His commands. Truly, “the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh. 8:10). When joy expands the heart, the feet will fly. In the context of our Missions Emphasis, As the Apostle Paul told the Corinthians, “Our heart is enlarged… be ye also enlarged” (2 Cor. 6:11-13). He was urging them to open their hearts wide in love and generosity. When God enlarges our heart, He fills it with His own compassion. Suddenly, giving to missions isn’t a burden, it’s a race we’re excited to run. Going to witness isn’t a duty, it’s a joy. We’ll “run and not be weary” (Isa. 40:31) because the fuel of God’s grace is empowering us[30].

Life is short; run while you can for Jesus! As missionary C.T. Studd famously wrote, “Only one life, ’twill soon be past; only what’s done for Christ will last.” Let’s run to do those lasting things.

Believer, verse 32 is your anthem of hope. Maybe you’ve been limping along, but greater strength is available. God can enlarge your heart even now. Pray for it. Expect it. And when He does, be ready to run like never before in service to Him.

Conclusion: From Dust to Devotion: God Revives Us to Run

“From Dust to Devotion”, that is the story of Daleth. And it can be our story too. Take courage: God does not leave His children in the dust. “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust” (Psalm 113:7). If He did it for the psalmist, He can do it for you. The key is to do as the psalmist did: cry out to God, according to His Word. Bring Him your broken heart and open Bible, and say “Lord, revive me. Teach me. Cleanse me. Enlarge my heart.” God will answer a prayer like that. Make God’s Word your lifeline.

Jesus is the Living Word who ran the ultimate race and endured the cross for us. He rose from the dust of death and is alive forevermore. Look to Him, and you will find your heart swelling with hope and strength. He is our revival and our reason to run.

Prayer:

O Lord, we thank You for hearing the cry of the downcast soul. Thank You for Your Word which gives life, comfort, and direction. Revive us according to Your Word. Teach us Your statutes; give us understanding. Remove from us every false way and incline our hearts to embrace Your truth. Father, enlarge our hearts by Your Spirit, fill us with love, faith, and zeal, so that we may run in the path of Your commandments with joy. Forgive us for our sluggishness and doubt. We cling to Your promises and trust we will not be ashamed for doing so. Use this revived devotion in us to spread Your gospel near and far. Let our church run with the vision of Christ to reach the lost. We ask all this in the name of Jesus, who lifted us from the dust by His resurrection, and in whose power we now rise and run. Amen.

[Cited Works: Psalm 119:25-32 analysis and commentaries[34][15][30][26]]

HYPERLINK "file://file_000000008ea8622f80a85f3ca24a729e" \l ":~:text=%E2%80%9Chalf%20choked%20by%20the%20death,7%5D.%20In" \h[1] [2] [4] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25] [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] [33] [34] Psalm 119_25-32 (Daleth Stanza), Poetic and Theological Analysis.docx

file://file_000000008ea8622f80a85f3ca24a729e

[3] [5] Psalms.docx

https://netorgft3038877-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jwalker_fbcwestminster_com/_layouts/15/Doc.aspx?sourcedoc=%7BC718C2BE-7C6A-4C38-A4AA-21E2B9278188%7D&file=Psalms.docx&action=default&mobileredirect=true