A Prayer To Encourage

I lie in the dust;

revive me by your word.

I told you my plans, and you answered.

Now teach me your decrees.

Help me understand the meaning of your commandments,

and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.

I weep with sorrow;

encourage me by your word.

Keep me from lying to myself;

give me the privilege of knowing your instructions.

Psalm 119:25-29

When you’re completely discouraged, where do you turn? The psalmist turned to God’s laws and commandments. They revived him, even though circumstances had left him lying in the dust. He wanted to know more about God and truly understand God’s ways, and he meditated on God’s wonderful deeds. He reminded himself that it was a privilege to know God and his laws. After all, God’s law kept him from lying to himself. It liberated him from the quicksand of self-deceit and placed him firmly on the solid ground of God’s Word.

In the secular and self-absorbed climate of our times, despair is common. Even in your deepest discouragement, ask God to help you to understand his truth.

• Lord, I weep with sorrow. Encourage me by your word . . .