Love It! 30 Days of Inspiration in Psalm 119Sample

Day 16 Psalm 119: 113–120 Uphold Me According to Your Promise

Several years ago, I sensed that God was moving me to a different job from a stable communications professional to a full-time writer. I lacked confidence, nor did I have an education in English. But His nudges continued to weigh heavily on my heart.

Feeling unsettled, I asked God to confirm this new venture in a real and practical way. I sought God’s direction about my next move. I pleaded with God to show me that it was time to move on, and He gave me strength and confidence to obey.

At first, I was afraid. I wanted to know for sure. Then God sent a confirmation that was undeniably His direction, and I was reassured He had a new adventure designed for me. Now I know that the decision to retire from my full-time job was God directed and supported by God’s Word.

At the time, the only story I had worth sharing was my weight loss story of losing 132 pounds. I thought my story was only important to me. After all, there are hundreds of weight loss books and programs on the market these days. But God promised that if I wrote my story down for others to read, then He would set people free through my words. So, I obeyed, and He continues to keep His promises.

The title of this section in Psalm 119 is the Hebrew word "Samekh,” which means "support" or "prop". It signifies divine support, protection, and God's encompassing presence. The letter’s circular shape represents God's surrounding presence and His strength in upholding his people. Also, in Psalm 119:114 and Psalm 119:116, the psalmist pleads to God for refuge and for God to be his shield. He asks God to sustain and rescue him, to "uphold" and "hold" him firm with His divine strength.

Oh, the surrounding and complete presence and protection of God. God’s Word is full of reminders of His nearness. God has you firmly in His grip of grace! He’s protecting you with His impenetrable shield of love, and you’re held safely and securely. What I learned from that experience is that God directs you in a way that requires more faith and reliance on Him to accomplish.

Question: How does God’s promise steady you in uncertainty?

Prayer: Lord, be my refuge and strength. Hold me firm and shield me with Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen