01/05/2018 -- God's Promises Supply Comfort -- Psalm 119:76

Psalm 119:76

Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.

In the previous verse the psalm writer acknowledges that he is in a condition of affliction.  It is under God’s sovereignty and according to his faithfulness.  Such knowledge is assuring, but affliction remains affliction.  It hurts.  It discombobulates us.  Mentally we can embrace it knowing God is working for his glory and our good.  And yet, what can soothe us in the midst of affliction?  The psalm writer knows.  He declares, “The steadfast love of God is my comfort.”  

Knowing God loves me and experiencing that love comforts my soul.  We know this on a human level.  A brother or sister is in relentless and unabating pain.  No physical relief can be found.   Ut when other brothers or sisters reach out personally to just spend time with him or her, they are comforted.  The loving care exhibited by the siblings lifts the spirits of the afflicted one.

According to Psalm 119:76, the promises of God are personal expressions of his steadfast love.  His promises personify his love.  They visit us in our trouble to assure us he will never leave or forsake us.  They assure us that God is kindly disposed toward his servants even in their darkest hour.  He is present with us through his promises to assure us of hope ahead.  In the words of Psalm 16:8, “because he is at my right hand, I shall not be greatly shaken.”