Psalm 119: Distress and the Word of God (Part 2)

II. MENTAL DISTRESS AND THE WORD OF GOD- Psalm 119:82

We take up our discussion of Distress and the Word of God, that is, how does the Word of God address our distress. In our last study we examined Holistic Distress. That is, distress that is so severe that it affects the entirety of our beings, as represented by the psalmist in 119:81, “My soul languishes for Your salvation; I wait for Your word.”

We discussed that distress can afflict us on three levels, as we see in this psalm. First, on the holistic level, which was our consideration last week. Tonight we will examine distress on a mental level. Now, it may seem odd to raise this point, but let us examine the word the psalmist uses: My eyes.

The word eyes is used to describe a multitude of items. There are times that the word is used to describe our physical eyes, the means by which we see the world. For example, the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was pleasant to the eyes (Gen. 3:6). It is also used to describe the mental qualities of a human being. This is demonstrated in Isaiah 2:11. Additionally, it is used to describe mental or spiritual faculties, such as the ability to see visions from God as discussed in Numbers 24:4 and 16.

However, we must consider this word as it is used in this particular psalm. Because the authors of Scripture, like us, use words different at different times. Just consider the word nice. In our day, if you call someone nice it is a compliment. However, if you used this word in the late 1300s you would be calling someone ignorant, or foolish. Times change, and so does our language. That is why it is important we consider this word in this particular psalm. In our Psalm alone (119), we see the following usages:

Psalm 119:18- “Open my eyes, that I may behold Wonderful things from Your law.”

Psalm 119:37- “Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Your ways.”

Psalm 119:82- “My eyes fail with longing for Your word, While I say, ‘When will you comfort me?’”

Psalm 119:123- “My eyes fail with longing for Your salvation, and for Your righteous word.”

Psalm 119:136- “My eyes shed streams of water, Because they do not keep Your law.”

Psalm 119:148- “My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word.

Now, without bogging you down with boring details, I want to organize these usages into groups.

In the first group, we have usages that describe the physical organ of the eye: Psalm 119:37, 136.

In the second group, we have usages that describe the mental/spiritual qualities of the human being: Psalm 119:18, 82, 123, and 148. Thus, we see that in each of those cases the eyes are used collectively to describe the mental qualities of the human being. For example, in 18 the psalmist prays for illumination in order to behold those wonderful things God’s Word. In verse 82 and 123 we see the similar usage of exhaustion represented in the eyes. Finally, in 148, the psalmist uses the word to describe the mental comprehension of God’s Word as exhibited in meditation.

Now, I elaborate upon this thought because it anchors our understanding to this word and allows for proper interpretation, which then leads to accurate application. You see, God has inspired the Holy Scriptures through the Holy Spirit to give us His Word, and Paul reminds us that God has provided His Word for “teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16)

So, there will be a mix of these as we examine the mental distress that comes into our lives and how to address these distresses.

A. MENTAL DISTRESS DESCRIBED—My eyes fail with longing

The psalmist acknowledges his mental distress with the phrase my eyes. Now, we have already established this idea at the beginning of our time together. The mind, then, is a key part of what it means to be a human being.

God created us with our minds as one part of our being. This is demonstrated in God’s creation of man. God created Adam and then provided him with directions. That is, God communicated through speech in a way that Adam, using his mind, would understand. When Adam and Eve sinned, their eyes were open and they “knew” they were naked, that is they were mentally aware of their nakedness.

There are other passages of Scripture that demonstrate the importance of the mind. There numerous commands to remember, to call back to mind the acts and character of God.

1. The corruption of the mind allows distress- select Scriptures

However, as we discussed briefly last week, because of the fall the entirety of our beings have been horribly affected. One example of this, and perhaps the most significant, is found in Romans 1:18-23. Notice the words conveying mental activity: which knew, evident within them, evident to them, being understood, they knew God, futile in their speculations, foolish heart.

The fall has affected our minds in a tremendously devastating way. Now, this does not mean that every human being is as skewed in their thinking as sinfully possible. Rather, it means that our ability to think rightly has been impaired due to our sinfulness.

It is the same thought in Ephesians 4:17-19. Again, notice the words Paul uses: in the futility of their mind, being darkened in their understanding, and because of the ignorance that is in them.

It is the same thought in Colossians 1:21. Notice the words here: alienated and hostile in mind.

Now, these verses communicate much to us. They describe the depravity of the minds prior to salvation. Consider the implications. For one, the unsaved individual cannot think rightly. It is impossible! When we see the actions of people on the news, we should not ask, “What are they thinking?” It follows along perfectly with the Scriptural teaching.

Another implication is that, just as the mind has experienced the devastating affects of the fall, it is also prone to distress. Look at Genesis 3:8-10. When Adam hears God walking to him, he hides. In his explanation to God he says, “I was afraid.” Brian Borgman offers a helpful definition of fear. He writes,

“Fear is the emotion of serious distress, which is aroused by impending danger, evil, or pain, whether real or imagined.”—Brian Borgman, “Feelings and Faith,” p. 124

Did you catch that? Adam was afraid. Now, considering God’s interactions with him up to this point, he had no reason to fear God. The implications of the phrase “they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” is that it was regularly. So, why was Adam afraid?

Because his mind was affected by the fall. Though there was indeed real danger, as the judgmental pronouncements reveal (3:14-19). However, the danger was that of a displeased father, not a dictator. He was unnecessarily fearful.

It was an unfounded fear that led Abram to give Sarai his wife to the pharoah of Egypt in Genesis 12:10-16. You see, his mind was not shaped by the Word and truth of God.

2. The corruption of the mind increases distress- select Scriptures

3. The renewal of the mind inhibits distress

This is why Paul goes on to say later on the letter when he writes in 12:1-2, “Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Do you see the mental activity there? Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

This is why Paul, in his blueprints for sanctification, writes to the Ephesian believers, “and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind.” (Eph. 4:23) You see how tremendously important the mind is?

This is why Paul writes to the Colossian church about the mind in Colossians 1:9-12. Consider the words Paul uses there: that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding…so that you will walk in a manner worthy...”