A Life in Exile

Oh, how the book of Psalms has been filled with encouragement to remember the Lord, his ways, and his Word. As our deep dive into the word remember draws to a close, today we will look at several passages from this treasure trove of beauty and instruction.

A troubled heart? Remember God’s Word.

The heartfelt, Spirit-given psalm of Asaph is our launching point for this journey, because we know that it is during times of trial that we need God’s Word the most. When we are faithful to read and memorize Scripture, the Spirit is equally faithful to bring it to our minds when our hearts are troubled and overwhelmed by trying times.

You have kept me from closing my eyes; I am troubled and cannot speak. I consider days of old, years long past. At night I remember my music; I meditate in my heart, and my spirit ponders. (Psalm 77:4-6 CSB)

How many nights have you found that your mind keeps you from sleep? Anxious thoughts and fears prevent you from finding rest. These are moments when we are called to remember. I love the fact that Asaph is reminded of his music—not just any music, but songs of praise, poems written to the Lord, and set to the soothing music of the instruments of his day.

This music of Asaph is the psalm of which we speak, along with many others. These poems of praise, desperation, trust, and hope in the Lord form the heart of our modern-day Bible. They are a gift from God to his children for the nights when our minds are restless and our eyes refuse to close. If the night finds you unable to sleep, turn to the Psalms and remember.

As you pore over the Psalms in your desire for the Lord to speak, he will, giving you hope and encouragement. His hesed love endures forever.

But from eternity to eternity the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear him, and his righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep his covenant, who remember to observe his precepts. (Psalm 103:17-18)

Remember his commands and rest, determined to continue walking in his righteous path.

Psalm 119: A psalm all about delighting in God’s Word.

These next several verses all come from the same chapter of Psalms. In fact, it’s the longest psalm and chapter in the Bible. What is the theme of this psalm? The Word of God. You can’t miss it, because some descriptor of God’s Word is in every verse. In glancing over one section, I see words like word, commands, statutes, decrees, judgments, and precepts. Who knew there were so many ways to explain God’s Word to us? But there they are, all within one long and beautiful psalm.

What is the antidote to a troubled heart? Remembering and delighting in God’s Word. Here are just a few highlights.

I will meditate on your precepts and think about your ways. I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:15-16)

Even when others may mock us for our faith, we can find encouragement and comfort in God’s Word.

The arrogant constantly ridicule me, but I do not turn away from your instruction. Lord, I remember your judgments from long ago and find comfort. (Psalm 119:51-52)

After the Lord brings us through times of suffering and trial, when we are in the quiet of our rooms, we are reminded to thank him for the blessings found in his Word.

Though the ropes of the wicked were wrapped around me, I did not forget your instruction. I rise at midnight to thank you for your righteous judgments. (Psalm 119:61-62)

Persecution for our faith is a call to turn to God’s Word and remember his guidance for us.

My life is constantly in danger, yet I do not forget your instruction. The wicked have set a trap for me, but I have not wandered from your precepts. (Psalm 119:109-110)

Delight in God’s Word is greater than any worldly gain or recognition.

Your word is completely pure, and your servant loves it. I am insignificant and despised, but I do not forget your precepts. Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and your instruction is true. (Psalm 119:140-142)

As we recognize our failings before the Lord, his Word reminds us of his forgiveness and salvation, and in that, we can delight and find hope.

I long for your salvation, Lord, and your instruction is my delight. Let me live, and I will praise you; may your judgments help me. I wander like a lost sheep; seek your servant, for I do not forget your commands. (Psalm 119:174-176)

Despite our circumstances and weaknesses, God’s Word is a place of comfort, peace, and rest for the soul that delights in Him.

God’s Word: Medicine for the soul.

A daily dose of God’s Word—not in a flippant way, but in deep contemplation, examination, and memorization—is the elixir of life for those who follow Christ. More than a spiritual multi-vitamin, it is the cure for all ills of this world that seek to pull us down and bring doubt and despair. We’ll close with two passages from the wisdom of Proverbs as we remember God’s Word.

My son, don’t forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commands; for they will bring you many days, a full life, and well-being… Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him, and he will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:1-2, 5-6)

When I was a son with my father, tender and precious to my mother, he taught me and said, “Your heart must hold on to my words. Keep my commands and live. (Proverbs 4:3-4)

The commands of the Lord are worthy of our remembering, for in them we find a full life, well-being, understanding, and wisdom. In them is life.

Grace and Peace

If you missed the last Friday Focus post, click HERE, or start from the Beginning.