How to Anchor Yourself to God’s Word

Ever have a life-experience where you can’t seem to get a hold of the nearness of God’s Word? Ever get so caught up in your troubles or distractions that they just seem to drown out God’s truth – which is the one thing you need? Enter Psalm 119:81-88. This passage shows us that struggle and how we can keep anchored to God’s Word when this happens.

Here is how.

Expect (vs. 81). The 1^st phrase gives us the psalmist’s predicament – “My soul faints for Your salvation.” The 2^nd phrase gives us his expectation – “I hope in Your word.” The predicament is that whatever this psalmist’s quandary is that he isn’t out of yet. He is fainting, as a result.  But his expectation didn’t die. He was full of “hope” in God’s Scripture. The only source of comfort is the Word. So, there is no such thing as a hopeless situation – just people who grow hopeless. The Word of God is present; the Word of God is enough; and the Word of God is not going anywhere. We just have to gird up our loins and look past our troubles and we will see its light.

Console (vs. 82-83). The psalmist is willing to work to the point of physical inability – “my eyes fail.” He doesn’t care what the consequences is – eye strain or physical exhaustion. He is going to do what it takes to find consolation in God’s word. He is fatigued from looking for help that has not yet come. How encouraging this is to see someone who loves God so much that he will exchange the ability to see – one of God’s most pervious senses – just so that his consolation can be found there and not in something or someone else. He desperately wants the comfort from God’s “statutes” that he will do whatever he can to remember them. 

Petition (vs. 84-85). You have not because you ask not. Many problems in life could probably be blamed on us because we do not ask God about them. I appreciate the way E.M. Bounds puts it: “Not to pray is not only to declare that there is nothing needed, but to admit to a non-realization of that need.” It’s as idiotic as me standing next to the Grand Canyon needing to get to the other side and trying to jump when there is a bridge or helicopter for me to use. You have not because you ask not. The psalmist knows his need. He petitions: “how many are the days … when will you execute judgment.” He asks these questions because his “days” seem few to him as his afflictions don’t seem to be going away any time soon. It is absolutely necessary for us to petition God to be re-oriented when we get off track. And it’s His Word that reminds us of this.

Preserve (vs. 86-87). The “commandments” of God are reliable. They preserved the psalmist through the most tumultuous of seasons. The power the Word of God to preserve us through anything is vastly underrated. Study any saint in church history or any man or woman of God in the Bible and – without exception – you will find their solace and preservation through persecution or sickness or imminent martyrdom was one thing: God’s Word. There is no substitute or no superior. The world will try to convince you that you can preserve yourself by getting drunk or retreating from all social contact or by taking dosages of medication every day. None of these ultimately deliver hope or answers, and in all cases just mask the problem.

Revitalize (vs. 88). The psalmist’s revitalization is that state of relief or tranquility of re-orienting himself to God’s will for his life as the Word of God instructs him. Who wouldn’t want this to be the end result? Who hasn’t suffered with writing pain in bed and having a hard time remembering the grace of God and not longed to be reminded of his mercy? Who hasn’t wanted to be revived to the way things should be?