Psalm 119:81
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. Psalm 119:81
This is an amazing testimony wrapped up in a short verse. The cry of the psalmist is simple yet powerful.
“My soul longs…” The psalmist is not speaking superficially. This is an expression coming from the depth of his soul.
“…for your salvation;” He knows his salvation does not come from himself but from outside of himself. He knows his limits and his cry is directed to God, the Creator of the Universe.
“…I hope…” He recognizes that his hope is what motivates him to continue. He is not asking for circumstances to be better. He is aligning his hope correctly.
“…in your word.” God reveals Himself through His Word and the psalmist is looking to God to reveal to him the longing of his soul, his salvation, and his hope.
One of my children was on a track cycling team in college. If you are not familiar with the sport, it consists of individuals clicking their shoes onto the pedals of a bicycle that has no brakes, and they all begin going around an angled oval track as fast as they can without running into each other.
During one of these races, I was standing next to the coach when there was a crash near the finish line due to something my child had done. I asked the coach what it was that my son did wrong? The coach gently and wisely said, “It was not what he did at the finish line that cause the collision. There was a move he was supposed to make three quarters the way up the track that he did not perform that caused the problem.”
How does that relate to this verse in Psalm 119?
I have come to realize that if I am not bringing this verse to the front of my mind often in my day, disaster is waiting for me around the next turn. If my hope is found somewhere other than in God’s Word, I will crash.
Have you ever found yourself in the middle of a conflict, grasping for biblical words and/or resolution, or trying to argue well and trying not to sin in your anger? I have…
I have learned that I need this verse (and other like it) to be part of my every morning “getting out of bed” routine. I need to start each day reminding myself of these truths before I engage another person. I need to get myself rightly oriented to Jesus’ lordship over my life way before I try to meet the demands of my day.
There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death. – Proverbs 14:12 ESV
The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps. – Proverbs 16:9 ESV
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. – Proverbs 16:18 ESV
Being more concerned about starting my day in right relationship with Jesus ends my problem, before they even start. Having the right biblical attitude before I end up in a conflict begins has a much better outcome than trying to find the right biblical attitude during a conflict.
If you are suffering from the consequences of your sin, the sins of others, or living in a sinful, fallen world, consider reaching out to Burke Care today. We would love to talk with you about how to have a better biblical mindset as you navigate your week.
God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You that You reveal Yourself through Scripture. Thank You for the saving work of Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for leaving Your Holy Spirit with us as another Helper (paraclete) (John 14:15-17). Amen.
Application Questions:
Where are you not preparing well to fight sin each day?
How can Bible reading and prayer prepare you for the stress of the day?
Do other unhealthy / unhelpful habits lead you to do what you do not want to do?
Schedule Care Today | Info@burkecare.org | 512.522.2580 | Subscribe
