David again tells God of his sorrow and seeks strength in God’s word. Where do we turn when we are in sorrow? Do we try to distract ourselves with the comfort of Netflix, food, or social media? Do we use our circumstances as an excuse for sin? We see here and throughout the Psalms that God wants us to come to him with our burdens and cares. In other Psalms, David describes his trials in in-depth detail. He tells of his feelings, his fears, and griefs. Rather than turn to false comforts, we too need to turn to God with all our cares. As we do, we also need to seek his comfort, peace, and wisdom in the word. Let us never forget that God is our refuge and strength.

When life is hard when obstacles block your way, when burdens weigh heavy, and when the reality of your sin threatens to undo you—where do you seek life? Sometimes we look for life in things, sometimes in our circumstances, and other times in passing pleasures. This passage from Psalm 119 reminds us where life is found—in God and his word.

Seeking Life

VV 25-27: Whether David was in the midst of a trial or simply acknowledging the reality of life in a fallen world, he felt the weight of something. In verse 25, David asked God to give him life. This isn’t a reference to physical life; rather, David sought a spiritual life. In the face of his troubles, David sought God and his word. Unlike any other written word, God’s word is a living and active (Hebrews 4:12). It is the truth which sanctifies (John 17:17). It is used to bring us to faith (Romans 10:17). It changes and transforms us (2 Timothy 3:16). As Moses wrote, it is our very life (Deuteronomy 32:47).

In verse 26, David shared with God all that was on his heart, “When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!” Perhaps he voiced the sorrow and pain of his affliction and troubles, or maybe he told of a battle with his sin nature. Whatever it was, he knew God heard him. And what did David ask? He asked to learn more about God’s ways. God’s word is our source of wisdom, and by learning it, we learn to walk in his ways. Our own Savior sought God and his word when he endured temptation in the wilderness in Matthew 4. There he faced Satan through the strength and truth God’s word. And in so doing, he did what we cannot do; he perfectly obeyed God so he could be our righteousness.

This passage also tells us that God is the one who helps us understand his word. In verse 27, David wrote, “Make me understand your precepts.” This is a prayer God loves to answer! His word is a gift and means of grace to us. But we aren’t left alone to figure it out. He gave us his Spirit who lives within us. The Spirit teaches us the word, convicts us through it, and trains us in righteousness. David didn’t want just to understand the words of the Bible but to understand and know what it teaches. He wanted to know more about God, who he is and what he has done. May this be our prayer as well.

No Life Outside of God

VV 28-29: Verse 28 sounds similar to verse 25. David again tells God of his sorrow and seeks strength in God’s word. Where do we turn when we are in sorrow? Do we try to distract ourselves with the comfort of Netflix, food, or social media? Do we use our circumstances as an excuse for sin?

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