Every time I write in reference to Psalm 119, I like to remind us, that it contains 176 verses which are divided into 22 stanzas, and each stanza is titled with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet. Today’s stanza is titled with the 10th letter of the Hebrew alphabet, Yodh or Yud, which is often associated with God’s hand, humility, and wisdom.
Friends, something we all have in common is that we have all faced troubles, sometimes the trouble is tragic, while other times the trouble is just a really rough day. Another thing we also have in common is that during our times of trouble we all reach for something. Think about that for a moment. Be honest with yourself. What or who is it that you reach for or maybe even hide from during your times of trouble? Remember the title of today’s passage and how as believers, you and I are called and encouraged to humbly reach for God’s hand during every troubling moment so that He can guide us with His wisdom through it. We cannot forget that the One Who created each one of us, also wrote His Word on our hearts. So why is it that we can find ourselves hiding from God or seeking destructive people, circumstances, places, or habits when all we need to do is seek the Holy Spirit and ask Him for divine guidance. I read a post from a friend on social media yesterday that said, “Every sin is an attempt to be happy, without God.” In today’s passage, the psalmist reminds you and I who we are in Christ Jesus. God knows our struggles, He faces them with us, He is faithful, and He is our Comforter, so instead of turning to sinful places, people, ways, or habits during troubled times, we need to be turning to God and reaching out to grab a hold of His hand and don’t let go.
Psalm 119:73-80 (NLT)
Yodh
73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.
76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.
77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.
78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.
80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
Prayer: Father, thank You for always having Your hand available for us to grab a hold of. We need You, at all times, but especially during times of trouble. Holy Spirit, please guide us towards You and away from the places that seem temporarily comforting, because they are familiar sinful places. We want to allow Your unfailing love to comfort us so that we may experience Your joy at all times. We ask all of this in Your Name, Jesus. Amen.