Text: Psalm 119:25-32
Fourth stanza of Psalm 119 – This lesson focuses on how God’s word is our source of strength, particularly when we are dealing with difficult circumstances in life. During such times, we must turn to God’s word to find the strength that we need.
God’s Word Provides Strength in Times of Grief (v. 25, 28)
- “Cleaves to dust” (v. 25) – connection to death (Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 12:7); one can have this feeling at the thought of his own death or the death of others
- “Weeps because of grief” (v. 28) – sorrow on account of conditions that currently exist
- During times of sorrow/mourning/uncertainty/fear, we must turn to God’s word – His word revives us (v. 25; cf. John 6:68; Philippians 2:16) and strengthens us (v. 28; cf. Ephesians 6:10-17)
God Has Shown That He Cares for Us (v. 26)
- “I have told of my ways” (v. 26) – this refers to prayer (connected with God answering); we are to pray in times of hardship (James 5:13; Philippians 4:6-7); God will answer according to His will (1 John 5:14-15), which is better than our own (Isaiah 55:8-9)
- God continues to show His care for us even today (Lamentations 3:22-23; Acts 14:17)
- Many pray without focusing on what David mentioned next – learning God’s word (v. 26); prayer must be connected to a life of obedience to God’s word (Psalm 34:12-16; cf. 1 Peter 3:10-12)
We Can Meditate Upon God’s Wonders to Find Comfort (v. 27)
- The Scriptures provide us with encouragement/comfort (Romans 15:4)
- What has God shown in His word that can provide comfort during difficult times? … power over the universe (Genesis 1:1; Romans 1:20); deliverance from evil (2 Peter 2:6-9); hope in the afterlife (2 Samuel 12:23)
False Ways Cannot Strengthen Us as the Truth Can (v. 29)
- During difficult times, many seek to be strengthened by falsehood – they listen to those who cry “peace” when there is no peace (Jeremiah 6:14); they hold onto a false sense of security (Amos 6:1-8); they find teachers who will tickle their ears (2 Timothy 4:3-4)
- David’s request – “Graciously grant me Your law” (v. 29); this is all that will help us
We Must Make a Conscious Effort to Follow His Word (v. 30-32)
- We must choose the faithful way (v. 30; cf. Matthew 7:13-14)
- We must place God’s word before us (v. 30; 1 Timothy 4:13; 2 Timothy 2:15)
- We must cling to God’s word (v. 31; cf. 2 Timothy 1:13)
- We must run the way of God’s commandments (v. 32; cf. 2 Timothy 2:5)
Conclusion
- How can we gain strength when dealing with grief and loss? … go to God’s word
- Learn (v. 26), meditate (v. 27), and obey (v. 32) – this leads to eternal life (Acts 20:32)
