Psalm 119:26-32
I am laid low in the dust;
preserve my life according to your word.
I gave an account of my ways and you answered me;
teach me your decrees.
Cause me to understand the way of your precepts,
that I may meditate on your wonderful deeds.
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word.
Keep me from deceitful ways;
be gracious to me and teach me your law.
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I have set my heart on your laws.
I hold fast to your statutes, Lord;
do not let me be put to shame.
I run in the path of your commands,
for you have broadened my understanding.
The verses for today go with the same theme from our last Daily Word about being steadfast during times of trial. The psalmist is clearly at a low point in his life. Weary with sorrow, laid low in the dust. I’m sure we can all relate to this. But, as with all things in the Christian faith, the light must prevail. The psalmist is begging God for strength. Not just strength to make it through the day, but also to remain virtuous in the suffering. He’s asking for broader understanding, for faithfulness, for the strength to hold fast to God’s laws, and for God to teach him - to reveal what would be the right way to behave throughout the sorrow.
Two weeks ago our whole family came down with a stomach virus right before we were supposed to perform as the opening act for Matt Maher at an event. I was devastated by how poorly things were leading up to such an important gig. To make matters worse, I’d lost my voice from a prior respiratory illness. AND All progress on our albums had to be stalled because we were all too sick to function. All this truly sucked. And I’m not saying I handled it with absolute virtue. I remember the moment I came down with the stomach virus...I just laid my head down on Nick’s lap and cried in defeat because I was the last one to get it and knew what was to come. After that little pity party, I chose to prevail. I made sure to ask for help instead of trying to do it on my own (#humility), we kept tempers and toddlers happy, and we not only survived but God gave us the opportunity to learn that we can trust him! My voice came back literally two days before the Matt Maher event and everyone was healthy and now I cherish and bless every day I do not have a stomach virus!! So, my question for you is this. Throughout our suffering (whether big or small), are we using it as a way to grow in virtue and strength? Or are we choosing to lay ourselves in the dust and not get up. I know I underestimate my strength ALL the time. Just know, you are so much stronger than you think you are!