Psalm 119:81-88

Q: What does the Bible say about suffering and waiting on God?

The Bible emphasizes that suffering and waiting are part of the Christian experience, often resulting in spiritual growth and reliance on God's promises. Scripture teaches that suffering and waiting can lead to a deeper connection with God. In Psalm 119:81-88, the psalmist expresses feelings of despair while also holding tightly to God's word. This duality reflects the Christian's journey through trials, which ultimately serves to strengthen faith. For instance, Romans 8:24 states, 'For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?' This underscores that waiting involves patience and faith in the unseen, which is essential for spiritual maturity.

Q: Why is holding onto God's word important during trials?

Holding onto God's word provides strength and assurance during trials, reminding believers of God's faithfulness and promises. In times of adversity, clinging to God's word becomes crucial for maintaining faith. The psalmist, in Psalm 119:83, likens himself to 'a bottle in the smoke,' feeling dried up and useless, yet he does not forget God's statutes. This illustrates the importance of reliance on Scripture as an anchor during suffering. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that 'faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen,' which highlights the transforming power of God's promises in our lives, especially during testing times.

Q: What is the significance of God's lovingkindness in our suffering?

God's lovingkindness assures believers of His presence and support, even when they experience suffering. God's lovingkindness is a central theme in Scripture, especially in moments of suffering. In Psalm 119:88, the psalmist pleads, 'Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.' This demonstrates a reliance on God's mercy for spiritual renewal. The New Testament echoes this in Romans 5:8, which states, 'But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.' Understanding God's profound love provides comfort and instills hope, encouraging believers to endure trials with the knowledge that His love is unwavering.

Q: How can we find hope while waiting for God's deliverance?

We find hope in God's word and promises, which guide us through periods of waiting and uncertainty. Hope during waiting is rooted in the promises of God and His character. The psalmist in Psalm 119:81 expresses deep yearning for God's salvation while simultaneously hoping in His word. This illustrates that hope is maintained not through visible circumstances but through trust in God’s faithful nature. 2 Corinthians 4:17 reminds us that 'our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,' reaffirming that hope is built on the eternal perspective that God provides even amidst difficulties.

that are called according to his purpose. He titles his article, The End of Bad News. He says, turn on the television, open a newspaper, or scroll through your phone, and one thing becomes immediately clear. Bad news sells. Boy, it sure does, doesn't it? Disasters, scandals, wars, sickness, tragedy, they all dominate the headlines because fallen humanity is drawn to what is troubling and alarming.

Yet the greatest bad news ever told is not found in the daily news cycle, but in the word of God. Scriptures declare that we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God, and that the wages of sin is death. Until a sinner hears and believes this sobering truth, The good news of Jesus Christ will have little meaning. But when God reveals the depth of our ruin, the gospel becomes the most glorious news imaginable.

Not only because Christ saves us from our sins, but for those who trust in Him, There is ultimately no more bad news. Isn't that cool? What a message, what an article God has given this dear man to write for us. In Christ, even the darkest providences are lovingly ordered by our God for our eternal good. In Christ our sins are forgiven, our standing with God is secure, and even in the trials and sorrows of this life, even of this life, are sovereignly turned for our good as Scripture declares for those who trust wholly in Christ. Every event, whether joyful or painful, all is governed by the hand of a loving Father and made to serve their eternal salvation. Isn't that good news? That's wonderful. I thought that was just fantastic. Good morning. Our study this morning is in Psalms chapter 119, verses 81 through 88.

Kaf is the Hebrew letter. And for those who may not have heard previous studies on this Psalms 119, I'd just like to mention real quick about how the structure is an acrostic poem. So if you were to take the Hebrew alphabet and list each letter vertically, Each stanza of this Psalm 119 is a Hebrew letter. Going horizontally, but then also each stanza is eight verses, which they also originally started with the Hebrew letter. But we don't have that in our English translation, so we just consider what the letter means for each section, each stanza. And this one, this one is Kath, which is the 11th Hebrew letter.

And it represents the palm or the hand, the hand of God. And I'd like to just say one real quick thing before we start. God's hand, His finger is in everybody's life whether they know Him or not. Gene used to point that out all the time. And this is, there's our life. That's it.

I've studied this section in Psalms and I listen to commentaries and I read, you know, different things like Charles Spurgeon, what he would say, different Bible scholars and whatnot. So there's where my thoughts are taken from when I do these studies. I mean, I'm not just making this stuff up, but just remember, it is the word of a man, the commentary part, or mine. Take that with a grain of salt. Whatever God's word speaks to you is the only thing that's important, actually. So, everything else is just a springboard of thoughts, but God's word is the only thing that should speak to you.

The theme in this stanza of the Psalms 119 verses 81 through 88 is the weight of suffering and waiting. The psalmist is suffering deeply, feeling physically and spiritually drained in verse 83. And he likens himself to a wineskin in the smoke, a shriveled, dried out, and seemingly useless container.

Despite that, he holds fast to God's word. And the posture of the psalm is because kaf means the palm of the hand. It carries a dual meaning in this passage. An open palm is the posture of a servant waiting to receive God's grace, comfort, and salvation. And holding on, even when weary, the psalmist uses his hands to cling tightly to God's decrees and commandments, keeping his faith when it is being tested by his enemies.

And persistence in prayer. This section serves as a cry for deliverance. In verses 84 through 86, you'll see the psalmist ask God how long Is his persecution going to last? And pleads for help against the arrogant enemies who have dug hidden and hidden traps for him. And lastly, unwavering devotion. Despite the affliction, the psalmist resolves not to abandon God's precepts. He relies on God's unfailing love to preserve him and keep him faithful. So Psalm 119, starting in verse 81. Calf, my soul fainteth for thy salvation, but I hope in thy word. My eyes fail for thy words, saying, when wilt thou comfort me?

For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do I not forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? When will thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. All thy commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help thou me. They had almost consumed me upon the earth, but I forsook not thy precepts. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness, so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. So starting in verse 81, calf, my soul fainted for thy salvation, but I hope in thy word. Verse 81 is a deeply personal cry of the believer waiting on God's salvation amidst persecution.

The psalmist expresses spiritual exhaustion while waiting for God's deliverance, balanced by unwavering trust and his promises. Here's a few scriptures that could go along with this. Psalms chapter 42, verses one and two, David says, As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My soul waits for the Lord. Another psalm. of David, chapter 130, verses 1 through 8. Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O Lord. Lord, hear my voice. Let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications.

If thou, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? I almost think there should be a say-law after that, but there isn't. But think about that. If Lord should mark iniquities, who should stand? Nobody. But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waited for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning. I say more than they that watch for the morning. Let Israel hope in the Lord. For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities."

Here are a few New Testament perspectives of holding on to unseen promises when delayed. Romans chapter 8 verse 24, For we are saved by hope, but hope that is not seen is not hope. For what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for what we see not, then do we with patience wait for it? Hebrews chapter 11 verse 1, now faith is the substance of things hoped for. It's the evidence of things not seen. Verse 81 of Psalm 119, that first verse of calf says, my soul fainted for thy salvation, but I hope in thy word.

I think 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 explains this perfectly. 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 starting at verse 15, for all things for your sakes that the abundance, the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. And I had to look up that word, redound means contribute. So that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many contribute to the glory of God.

That's why I asked, I asked Robyn once, why do you guys go down to New Guinea and preach the gospel? It's a treacherous area. I know you're preaching to just a few souls down there that need to hear the gospel. What's the main purpose? Why do you do it?

And Robyn says, well, it glorifies God. It glorifies God to preach the gospel. And I thought about that in verse 15 when it says, through the thanksgiving of many. So when we gather and are thankful to God, that is for the glory of God too. It glorifies God. When we sing songs, it glorifies God. When we fellowship, it glorifies God.

Verse 16, for which cause we faint not, but through our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal. but the things which are not seen are eternal.

The next verse in Psalms 119, Kaff is verse 82. My eyes fail for thy word, saying, when wilt thou comfort me? In this verse, the psalmist seems to express the same longing for God's comfort as in the previous verse. Crying out during prolonged suffering, how long?

Or growing weary while waiting for God's promises. This is a very human thing, because I don't know about you, but I have very little patience. Sometimes it seems like an eternity when I'm waiting for something, especially if it's relief from some sort of trial.

God has three answers to prayer I've come to discover. It's yes, no, and later. To me sometimes, like the psalmist, I think later can be the hardest thing to deal with. Listen to what King Solomon says about this in Proverbs chapter 13, verse 12. Hope deferred make the heart sick, but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. And here's a scripture about how King David prays about this matter of growing weary while waiting for God's promises in Psalms chapter 63 69 verse 3.

I am weary of my crying. My throat is dried. My eyes fail while I wait for my God. How long oh Lord. Another song from King David about the subject starting on verse one of chapter 13. How long will thou forget me, O Lord, forever? How long will thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?

Consider and hear me, O Lord my God. Lighten my ears, lest I sleep the sleep of death. lest my enemies say, I have prevailed against him, and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in thy mercy. My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me.

Next verse in Psalm 119, verse 83. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do I not forget thy statutes. In this verse, the psalmist is likening himself to a wineskin that is being dried out by fire. See, when I've read this psalm in the past, I never knew a bottle was a wineskin. But when you look into it, that's what they described it as. He describes himself as feeling dried up and shriveled by hardship, but remaining steadfast in God's word.

This is good instruction for us, and this is certainly one of those things that is easier said than done. No matter how hard the afflictions or trials are, remain faithful to God's word. James chapter one, verses two through eight. My brethren, count to joy when you fall into diverse temptations, knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not, and it shall be given to him. But let him ask in faith, not wavering, for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed. For let not man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord. A double-minded mind is unstable in his ways." James is instructing us very similar to the psalmist in this verse. Let him ask in faith. not wavering, similar to the psalmist saying during his affliction, he doesn't forget God's word regardless of the challenge of remaining faithful. And we know that it is impossible to please God without faith. There is a scripture that says that. I did not look it up, but we know that. Next verse in Psalm chapter 119, Kaph is verse 84.

How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? How many are the days of thy servant, says the psalmist? Like I said earlier, that's how many. That's it. It's like a flower grows up and the sun scorches it and it's dead. I mean, that's even a long life. The breath was more like our lives. Almost as if he asked, will you execute judgment on those who persecute me in my lifetime? This is a valid question and we don't know what tomorrow brings. And tomorrow is certainly not guaranteed for anyone.

Psalm chapter 90 verse 12. So teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm chapter 39 verses 4 and 5. Lord. Make me to know mine end and the measure of my days. What is it, that I may know how frail I am? Behold, thou hast made my days as a hand-breath, and mine age is as nothing before thee. Verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity.

Selah. Here what James says concerning boasting about tomorrow. In James chapter 4 verses 13 through 15. Go to now you say that today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year and buy and sell and get gain. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away.

For that ye ought to say, if the Lord will, we shall live and do this or that. That's what we should always say. That's why we say Lord willing. James just said for that ye ought to say if the Lord will we shall live and do this or that. We too should always say this is why we say Lord willing and we know because of the truths of the scripture that God gives us that Jesus is Lord of all.

Jesus Christ is God Almighty according to the Trinity. Jesus is God and the Spirit of God and the great three in one. When the psalmist was praying to God in any of the scriptures And this is true of all the Old Testament scriptures. They were praying to Jesus Christ, God Almighty. Jesus was before the foundation of the world and created all things.

Jesus was our mediator before he ever became flesh for the sole purpose of providing himself as a sacrifice to appease God's wrath against sin. And sin is what we are. Here's a great place to study and read the following scripture that explains exactly what I was trying to say. the preeminence of Christ. Colossians chapter one, verse 15, starting in 15.

Jesus, who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. For by him were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created by him and for him. And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. And he is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him should all fullness dwell.

And having made peace through the blood of the cross, through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things unto Himself. By Him, I say, whether they be things in earth or things in heaven. and you that were sometimes alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death to present you holy and unblameable and unreprovable in his sight."

That's the good news you were talking about earlier in that article. That's amazing good news. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven, whereof I, Paul, am made a minister.

And be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, similar to what the psalmist was saying in verse 83, regardless of his circumstances. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do I not forget thy statutes. The psalmist was feeling like a dried up wineskin, cracked and useless, as do we when afflicted or beat down. But like Paul and the psalmist say, be not moved away from the gospel. Do not forget God's wonderful word of grace and mercy. We need to always keep our eyes on Christ. who is the wonderful matchless grace of God.

Next verse, chapter 119, verse 85 of Psalms, calf, the proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. In this verse, the psalmist states that he is facing malicious, deceitful attacks from the proud who violate God's law. And it looks like this verse is tied to the latter part of verse 84, when he says, when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? The psalmist is praying to God, when will you deal with these malicious people who have no regard for you, Lord?

We can see in some previous Psalms that David is the same thing happening, and how David prays for God to help in this matter, as we too should take our trials and battles to God in prayer. Paul also gives instructions on this in Thessalonians. First Thessalonians chapter five, verses 15 through 17. See that none render evil, for evil unto any man, but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves and to all men. Rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing." Here is the King David's prayer to God for help with those who persecute him. Psalm chapter 35 verses 1 through 9.

Plead my cause, O Lord, with them that strive with me. Fight against them that fight against me. Take hold of shield and buckler and stand up for mine help. Draw out also the spear and stop the way against them that persecute me. Say unto my soul, I am thy salvation.

Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul. Let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. Let them be chaffed before the wind, and let the angel of the Lord chase them. Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the Lord persecute them.

For without cause they have hid for me their net in a pit, which without cause they have digged for my soul. Let destruction come upon him unawares, and let his net that he hatched hid catch himself. That is how it says, let his net that he hatch hid catch himself. Into that very destruction let him fail. And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord, it shall rejoice in his salvation.

We don't know who wrote the Psalm 119. And they suspect, you know, it was, it could be David, or Ezekiel, or Isaiah. You know, it was one of the prophets. And a lot of times when you hear a section of the Psalms that David wrote, and it goes right along with 119, a lot of times the previous Bible scholars would say that David wrote the Psalm, but they just don't know for sure.

But we do know that all Scripture is worthy for study, and it's the Word of God. So regardless of who wrote it, it is the Word of God. Psalm 119 verse 86, all the commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help thou me. Again, this verse is tied to the previous verse. The theme is consistent with giving God the glory for his word and commandments.

The psalmist is praying as before with faith, knowing God will protect him and deliver him because God is faithful, just like his commandments. Psalm chapter 46 verse one, David prays and says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Lamentations chapter three, verse 22 and 23. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassion spell not. They are new every morning. Great is thy faithfulness. When the psalmist is praying to God, he is praying with faith. For he knows that it is impossible to please God without faith, as we read in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, verse six. But without faith, it is impossible to please him. For he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Psalm 119, verse 87.

They had almost consumed me upon the earth, but I forsake not thy precepts. Again, tied to the previous scriptures, the psalmist declares, he will remain faithful to God's word during his troubles with the ones who set out to destroy him. The psalmist did not fail to continue in God's word regardless of almost being killed it looks like.

Listen to his prayer from Listen to this prayer from King David in Psalm chapter 3. King David was almost consumed like the psalmist. And David, like the psalmist, did not forget that the victory was by faith in God, a shield, his glory, a lifter up of his head, as we will read in chapter 3, verse 3. And that salvation in all things belonged to the Lord.

For us, since we live in a time after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, God Almighty, and God's Word tells us Jesus is the only mediator between God and man, the only name under heaven by which we must be saved, we pray the same thing as David. But to Jesus, God Almighty, we pray and look to Jesus for all things. Jesus is our shield, our only form of glory before God. As Jesus Christ dwelling in us, that's our only form of glory before God. And Jesus is the victory in all things, especially regarding our salvation. We look to Jesus for all things. Jesus Christ, God Almighty, is our all in all, as Colossians 3, verse 11 says, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcism nor uncircumcism, barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

The Psalm I was talking about from David about How they almost consumed me upon the earth, but I forsook not thy precepts. This is in Psalm chapter three, starting in verse one and going through to verse eight. Save me, O God. A psalm of David when he fled from Absalom, his son. Lord, how are they increased that trouble me? Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which save my soul. There is no help for him in God. Selah. You know, I'm going to mention something real quick about that verse.

When Gene lost his son, there was evil men at his work that were railing on him. And saying, where is your God now? And Gene didn't hesitate to say right where he's always been, sitting on his throne in control of everything. So that's what David's doing here too. He's got people, many a soul, that say where is your help from God?

Selah. But Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah. I laid me down and slept and awaked, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people. They have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord, save me, O my God, for Thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheekbone, and Thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord. Thy blessing is upon thy people.

Selah. Last verse in this section of 119 Kath is verse 88. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness, so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth. Quicken me after thy lovingkindness. This verse can stand alone. The Psalms declares a powerful truth here. quicken me after thy lovingkindness or give me life because of your great love oh Lord it is because of our God's great love and mercy that we are given life and that life is the gift of faith in the blood of Christ to cleanse us from all unrighteousness In the six scriptures I read, in these last six scriptures I'm going to read before closing, you will hear a quick summary of the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, God Almighty, whose love surpasses all knowledge, who quickens us, gives us life after thy loving kindness as the psalmist prays in Psalm 119, verse 88.

One scripture from John. Chapter 15, verse 13. Greater love hath no man than this. And these are the words of the Lord God, Almighty Jesus Christ. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Romans chapter 5, verses 6 through 10.

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. for scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God, but God, love it when you say that John, but God, commended his love towards us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Much more than being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. The end.

Psalm 119:81-88

Key Quotes

What does the Bible say about suffering and waiting on God?

Why is holding onto God's word important during trials?

What is the significance of God's lovingkindness in our suffering?

How can we find hope while waiting for God's deliverance?

Sermon Transcript

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Psalm 119:81-88

Key Quotes

What does the Bible say about suffering and waiting on God?

Why is holding onto God's word important during trials?

What is the significance of God's lovingkindness in our suffering?

How can we find hope while waiting for God's deliverance?

Sermon Transcript

Comments

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