Psalm 119:92-93: “If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.”
In the introduction of my Bible study book, “Taming the Lion’s Roar. Handling Fear in the Midst of a Trial,” in referencing a certain trial that my husband and I had gone through, I stated: “One special verse became my lifeline – Psalm 119:92 . . . I would then pray, “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.” It is still what I call my signature verse. It had special meaning to me back then, and it still does today.
Psalm 119:25b the psalmist says “Give me life according to your word.” Then another parallel verse is found in Psalm 71:20: “You . . . will revive me again.” Then the very next verse says “You will comfort me again.”
What is your most profound need right now? Is it meeting stressful deadlines with work? A broken relationship problem with a friend or family member? Someone, which you feel is emotionally manipulating you and you are still stinging from the pain that this has caused? Or perhaps an unexpected bill not anticipated?
What emotions are at the root of your struggle? Are you struggling with guilt, shame, frustration, or feelings of failure? I have wrestled with all four recently, which we know are Satan’s weapons of temptations that play havoc in our lives. He comes to steal, kill, and destroy us, and zap us of any joy left down in our heart.
But God is stronger. His Word hidden in our hearts and impressed into our mind preserves us, it says in Psalms 119:92 NIV. It will protect us, comfort us, sustains us, and gives us wisdom. Just because someone is intelligent and has experience does not necessarily make him wise. But applying the wisdom God teaches us at the end of trials is what guides us.
Ask God to show you a sign of His favor and goodness as Psalm 86:17 declares: “Show me a sign of your favor, that those who hate me may see and be put to shame because you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.” In the face of bad news or people not liking you, think more about the joy that can only be attained and received from our almighty good God. His word is unchanging despite deep troubles, and He loves you unconditionally. Today’s problem will be but a memory a month from now.
My prayer of Psalm 119:92-93 still is: “Teach me Your Word during this season of my life like I have never known it before and make this verse my testimony when I emerge from this place.”
Questions:
What “place” do you find yourself in right now?
What verse or passage in scripture has given you comfort and has become your delight?
Ask God to transform your mind through the reading of His Word. Watch God do what you cannot.
Listen to King & Country’s YouTube (Lyric Video) song “Joy.” My husband and I are getting to meet King & Country this weekend!