We enjoy feeling happy more than feeling sorrow or grief. But the lows are as much a part of our lives as the highs. This past week had a low moment for me. I was physically tired; I was made aware of poor communication and leadership in me that was hurtful to others; I was receiving some unsolicited and unloving criticism. Combining all of these and I felt like a failure. It was not an ideal place to be.
How do we respond when we are in grief? When we’ve been brought low? When we feel like failures, or have disappointed ones we love so much? In the fourth section of Psalm 119, the Psalmist moves from low to high; from face down in the dust to running in freedom.
We begin with the low in verse 25, “My soul cleaves to the dust; Revive me according to Your word.” No specifics are given of what is causing this. The key is the remedy. New life only comes according to God’s Word. Not according to a change in situation. Or even a friendly face.
More low is found in verse 28, “My soul weeps because of grief; Strengthen me according to Your word.” Again, no specifics of what is causing this. But the remedy is God’s Word.
But can we get some specifics on how God’s Word revives and strengthen? How about what we read in verse 27, “Make me understand the way of Your precepts, So I will meditate on Your wonders.” First, there is need for understanding that only God can give. Since you need God’s help to be revived and strengthened, ask Him for these. Second, there is realizing that God’s Word is wonderous. It’s like a beautiful sunset or the waves crashing at the beach. It’s a thrilling experience that you want to soak up as much as possible.
Next in being revived and strengthened is confession of sin. Verse 29 says, “Remove the false way from me, And graciously grant me Your law.” You might be tempted to skip this step. Don’t. God and sin do not co-exist. So if you want God’s help in overcoming trouble, you cannot hold onto your sin. Because of Jesus Christ, all of your sin, all of your false ways can be forgiven and removed.
Finally comes the freedom in verse 32, “I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart.” The limitations that were there in your low have been removed by God and His Word. You are now free to roam about His Word and world. The situation may not have changed at all. But your heart and perspective have been changed by God and His Word.