My only ambulance ride so far in life was in junior high, when I broke my left arm playing flag football. Probably the closest I’ve come to death is when I jump off a 20 foot cliff in Israel – not into a pool of water, but onto hard rock below. But, I was able to walk out of that after a short recovery. I’ve been in a few accident, the scariest of which is when we slipped on ice and ended up doing a 180 turn with a sideways roll. Do you have any near death experiences?
3 different times, our friend in Psalm 119:153-160 pleads with God to revive him. Revive – to bring back to life. To give life again. As if our friend is on life support; as if he’s in the ambulance on the way to the hospital after suffering a life threatening heart attack. Let’s take a closer look at this.
So, how is the Psalmist to revive? Are there medical procedures involved? In verse 154, he prays that God would revive him according to God’s Word. In verse 156, the restoring of life is based on God’s ordinances or commands. Finally, God’s love in verse 159 is the basis for revival.
When you’re near death, what impact can God’s Word, God’s commands, and God’s love have on you?
Before we answer that question, lets’ look at what is causing this emergency. Was there an accident? A pandemic? Our friend mentions afflictions in verse 153, the wicked in verse 155, persecutors and adversaries in verse 157, and the treacherous in verse 158. When we put these all together, it would seem our friend is being tormented and abused by other people – and there doesn’t seem to be any end in sight.
The Psalmist recognizes he’s facing a spiritual emergency, not a physical or medical one. Thus, the resources for life and healing in this moment are from God – from His steadfast Word and steadfast love.
In dire situations, our bodies and minds naturally focus on what is most important. Even in this danger, the Psalmist keeps His focus on God. His Word, His mercies, His love are what is most important. Only God can restore him.
I don’t wish for any of you to face such life-threatening emergencies. But I do pray for each of you to have that prioritized focus on God – at all times, in all situations.