The Hurting Man
Today's Verse:
Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. ~Psalm 119:18
Psalm 119:17-24 is a prayer of the psalmist. This section helps us to understand the harsh reality of the pain and heartache that we will have if we make God’s Word a priority in our life and obey it. In this section, we will feel the discouragement the psalmist felt and what he did about it. We will be encouraged not to let the rejection of the world bring us down. This morning, let us consider the remedy for our hurt and pain.
We see this man and his plight.
This man realized that his society was against him. When we live for God, the people of this world are against us. We are criticized and reviled. We are considered contemptible. The world rejects our values and creeds. The psalmist felt lonely and rejected. He came to the realization that he was an alien and outcast on earth. Maybe the weight of being rejected and reproached by family, friends, co-workers, teachers, and others is getting you down. Remember, you are not alone and God has a remedy for you.
We see this man and his passion.
In spite of his plight, the psalmist said, “My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times.” His plight made him hungrier for God’s Word. His circumstances brought him to a breaking point. He desired an answer from God at all times. He knew God’s Word would give him comfort and counsel in his time of need. He knew God’s Word would give him confidence in his time of need. He was like David, who at a low point in his life, craved for a drink of water from the well of Bethlehem. His soul craved and hungered for a word from God. In times of discouragement, have a passion for God’s Word.
We see this man and his petition.
“Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” First, he prayed for relief. He asked God to deal well with him. He needed encouragement for his soul. He needed to not lose sight of the goal in life. He wanted to live and not dwell in the slough of discouragement. Second, he prayed for revelation. He asked God to open his eyes to see the wonderful things contained in God’s law. This needs to be our daily prayer concerning God’s Word. Our teacher is the Holy Spirit. He will guide us into all truth. He is the anointing that abides in us, is true, and never lies. He helps us to understand the Word of God and its powerful application for our lives. Make this your daily prayer before you read and study God’s Word.
We see this man and his pleasure.
"Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors." He had the ultimate satisfaction for his soul. God gave him a fresh word in his time of need. God helped to give him the right perspective about his spiritual enemies. “Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments.” He saw that God had all things under control. He saw that God was already dealing with those who were against him. God’s Word gave him peace and counsel.
When you are hurting, pray for God to give you a fresh answer from His Word. Let God’s Word be your sustaining power when the winds of opposition and trouble blow against you. Stay in the Word!
Have a sustained God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalm 108-114