Love It! 30 Days of Inspiration in Psalm 119Sample

Day 7 Psalm 119: 49–56 Comfort in Affliction

In Psalm 119, the Hebrew letter “Zayin” is the seventh letter of the Hebrew alphabet and symbolizes “weapon" or "sword.” The letter not only looks like a sword, but it also reminds us that God's Word is a weapon. It’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). The writer wields God’s Word as a defensive weapon against spiritual warfare, and likewise, we, too, can use God’s Word to combat the enemy.

God’s Word provides sustenance and protection. The psalmist faced opposition, yet his trust in God’s promises reminded him of who he had already placed his hope. God’s Word is absolutely true and can be trusted (Psalm 119:49). His approach in asking God to remember His Word wasn’t because God forgot, but because he believed God would never forget! (Isaiah 55:11)

The psalmist also found comfort in his misery because he remembered how God’s Word already revived him (Psalm 119:50). This doesn’t eliminate suffering and trials (Phil. 3:10) because Christ also suffered and faced trials. Instead, it emphasizes our new life with and in Christ. It underlines the meaning and purpose of being a believer. External things don’t have the power to phase us.

Despite his misery and affliction, he stood on what was already true: God’s Word and its promises. Since the Word of God had already revived him, there was nothing outside of him that could bring him down. By making statements (like vPsalm 119:50), we acknowledge suffering is universal, and yet we can confidently declare we will get through it with God by our side.

When your faith and trust in God’s word gets challenged, you can respond by increasing your confidence in God’s Word! You receive strength by sticking to God’s instructions instead of turning aside from it. It also protects you by reminding you of your salvation. Reading and knowing God’s Word helps us know who we are in Christ, which strengthens our identity and helps us stand firm through any storm. And the power of God’s Word spoken out loud brings strength when you’re weak. Truth protects you when you feel defenseless.

Question: How has God’s Word sustained you in hardship?

Prayer: Father, Your Word brings me hope and comfort. Remind me that no matter who stands against me; I will not turn aside from Your law. In Jesus’ name, Amen.