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3
July 2006
Text: Psalm 119:81-88
UNDERGOING SEVERE TRIBULATION
1. In great need of comfort
"My soul faints for Your salvation… Psalm 119:81a
"My eyes fail from searching Your word, saying
'When will You comfort me…'" Psalm 119:82
a) Admission of stress and strain
b) Admission of need for comfort and deliverance
2. Feelings of despondency and despair
"I have become like a wineskin in smoke" Psalm 119:83
a) Smoke… a reference to fire
b) Wineskin… will become dirty if nothing else in a fire
3. In fear of death
"How many are the days of Your servant?" Psalm 119:84a
"They almost made an end of me on earth…" Psalm 119:87
a) Dire circumstances in life
b) Spectre of death
4. In frustration over the activities of the wicked
"When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?" Psalm 119:84b
"The proud have dug pits for me,
Which is not according to Your law." Psalm 119:85
"They persecute me wrongfully" Psalm 119:86
a) An appeal for vindication
b) An appeal for justice
HOLDING UP IN THE MIDST OF TRIBULATION
1. Hope amidst feelings of weakness
"I hope in Your word" Psalm 119:81b
The word of God is able to create a powerful sense of hope
2. Searching for comfort in God's word
"My eyes fail from searching Your word…" Psalm 119:82a
The psalmist's example of searching the Word of God to be borne in mind
3. Determination to remember God's word
"I do not forget Your statutes" Psalm 119:83b
Amidst trials the psalmist displayed a tremendous spirit of determination.
4. Continued trust in God's word
"All Your commandments are faithful" Psalm 119:86a
The psalmist continues to believe that God's word will not fail him
5. Faithfulness to God's word
"I did not forsake Your precepts" Psalm 119:87
As much as God's word is faithful, so he determines to be faithful to God's word
6. Determination to keep God's word
"Revive me… that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth" Psalm 119:88
a) First there is a prayer for revival (renewal)
b) From renewal comes a strong determination to keep God's word
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