Desperation – Psalm 119.81-88

       Desperation is a state of despair, when we think there is nothing else we can do to make something go away or right. It is beyond our control, and ultimately it results in us doing something rash or wildly unpredictable. Sometime desperation can be used to motivate us forward to good things, to become greater and realize our larger potential. However, for most of us this is not what happens when desperation sets in.
      The Psalmist begins this section by making two statements of desperation, “I long for Your salvation.” “I put my hope in Your Word.” The Psalmist knows only God can provide all the protection and safety he needs, ‘salvation’ and the only place to have rock solid hope is in the Word of God. So, why then is he desperate? Look at the next verse, because we have all felt like this, we can all relate to where the Psalmist is right now, “My eyes grow weary looking for what You have promised.” God I have looked, I have waited, when will it come? Jesus told His disciples and us, I will go and prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place of you, I will come again and receive you unto Myself (John 14.3, my emphasis). When is He coming? How long must we wait? It is hard for us to trust, to have faith, to place our hope in His promise. This is where the Psalmist is, “when will you comfort me.” Because the promises of God are comfort, if we have lost hope in those promises, then where is the comfort in what God has said?
      The key to surviving desperation is continuing to focus on the Word of the Lord. The Psalmist said, and I paraphrase, no matter how bad, no matter where I am, no matter what is happening, I will not forget Your statutes or Word. We must always remember God’s Word. The best way to do this is by applying it to our hearts and minds. By memorizing scripture, and allowing God to use His Word to transform our mind into something beautiful and glorious for His kingdom (Romans 12.1-2).
        As we get more desperate for God to do something, we take notice of the things He appears to not be doing. Such as, punishing those who are causing us problems, or those who are disrespecting His Word. It is hard to wait on the Lord, to allow Him to be God and for us to stay out of His way. Look at Psalm 130,
             1          Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord!
             2                  O Lord, hear my voice!
                         Let your ears be attentive
                                  to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
              3         If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
                                  O Lord, who could stand?
              4         But with you there is forgiveness,
                                   that you may be feared.
              5         I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
                                   and in his word I hope;
              6         my soul waits for the Lord
                                   more than watchmen for the morning,
                                   more than watchmen for the morning.
              7         O Israel, hope in the Lord!
                                   For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
                                   and with him is plentiful redemption.
              8         And he will redeem Israel
                                   from all his iniquities. [1]
      Do you see what the Psalmist is saying in this Psalm? I cry Lord, Please listen to me, I know there is no reason for You to forgive me, but You do so, people will know You and Fear (give honor and respect) You. So, I will wait for the Lord! What? Wait? Why? Because there is hope in the Lord and only in the Lord. With the Lord there is steadfast Love, there is Redemption, He is the only way.
      No matter what people do to us, no matter how they treat us, no matter what they say about us, our God, our Savior is greater than all of that. Our life is given to us because of God’s faithful love. His unmeasured mercy and grace. Therefore, we must obey the decrees He has spoken to us, by living a life worthy of His testimony. “Be ye Holy, for I Am Holy, Saith the Lord” (Leviticus 11.44).
 
Application

1. How desperate are you? Where are you turning in your time of desperation? The Psalmist reminds us we must not forget God’s statutes or Word in these kinds of times. Are you hiding God’s Word in your heart so you will not sin against God in your desperate hour? Begin today to memorize scripture, meditate on those verses and apply their truths to your life.
2. Take a moment and think of someone who you believe gets away with doing wrong all the time? Got that person, now pray for them that God will change your heart about them, and their heart about the things they are doing. Remember God is the judge of all the world, not us. You need to focus on what God has called you to do. Read Revelation 20.11-15.
3. How are you doing living by God’s Holy Word? Obeying God’s Word will give you life this is His faithful Love for you. Ask God today to help you be more obedient to His Word and to not fall into the fire traps of the devil.

 
Prayer
 
      My God, My Father, My King, I come humbly to You today asking for wisdom to handle this desperate hour of mine. Lord only You know the outcome, only You know the path to take. I need You to give me the patience to wait on You, to listen to You, and to obey You. Lord help me to remain focused on You and not those around me who seem to get away with everything. I know You see all things, and all things are under Your judgment. Help me to be me and allow You to be God. Lord give me the wisdom I need to succeed in You and shine into this lost world. In Your Son Jesus Christ Name, Amen.

[1] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). (Ps 130:1–8). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.