For the Love of...

Sometimes I go to Psalm 119 when I need a reminder of why it's good to love God's Word.  Here's a part that stood out to me today:

Psalm 119:81-88

Kaph

 ⁸¹ My soul longs for your salvation;
   I hope in your word. 
⁸² My eyes long for your promise;
   I ask, “When will you comfort me?”
⁸³ For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke,
   yet I have not forgotten your statutes. 
⁸⁴ How long must your servant endure?^[a]
   When will you judge those who persecute me?
⁸⁵ The insolent have dug pitfalls for me;
   they do not live according to your law.
⁸⁶ All your commandments are sure;
   they persecute me with falsehood; help me!
⁸⁷ They have almost made an end of me on earth,
   but I have not forsaken your precepts. 
⁸⁸ In your steadfast love give me life,
   that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.

The psalmist gives us three examples of troubles that he encounters: 

a.) needing salvation

b.) needing comfort

c.) being tormented by enemies

With each example, he turns to God's word for help and strength

a.) I hope in your word

b.) I have not forgotten your statutes

c.) I have not forsaken your precepts (God's commands or laws)

When I feel troubled or downcast, I often don't turn to God's Word to comfort me, and I forget to call out to my God who created me.  Here is my checklist, straight out of the Psalms:

Needing salvation?  Hope in God's Word

Needing comfort?   Remember God's Statutes

Being tormented by enemies (seen or unseen)?  Cling to God's precepts

Love,

Ashleigh