I remembered this post while reflecting on the prayer I discussed in it from Psalm 119:49-56. I focused on the encouragement that we derive from songs whose lyrics mirror our prayers. I encourage you to read the entirety of the original post after you read these comments. I think that it will encourage you. As the Psalm says,
“Your decrees are the theme of my song wherever I lodge. In the night, LORD, I remember your name” (Psalm 119:54-55).The prayer is rooted in faith in God’s promises. Another hymn comes to mind when I read this prayer, one I sang frequently when a child, “Standing on the Promises.” In the midst of his suffering, that precisely is what the Psalmist did. He trusted God to keep his word to his people. Because of that faith in God keeping his promises, he in turn kept his spiritual focus. He writes in verses 52 and 56,
“I remember, LORD, your ancient laws, and I find comfort in them…This
has been my practice: I obey your precepts.”Suffering can tempt us to compromise our values if we think that will alleviate our pain. May we maintain our confidence in God and our focus on following his Word.
When life is darkest, what do we pray? When hope dims, what songs do we sing? When opponents taunt, on what memories do we rely? In his prayer to the Lord, the writer of Psalm 119 provides his answers to those questions as he prays in verses 49 through 56.
He prays with anger: “because of the wicked, who forsake your law” (verse 53). He prays with hope: “Your promise gives me life” (verse 52). He prays with confidence: “this blessing has fallen to me, that have kept your precepts” (verse 56). The psalmist trusts God and obeys him.
He sings the laws of the Lord as his songs (verse 54). I remember myself singing a song based on another verse from this song as a child: “O how love I thy law; it is my meditation…” During my darkest hours, songs of faith have sustained me. The songs “It…
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Call for Fire Seminar 