My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.
Psalm 119:81
One wonders what Jim Reeves (1962) was thinking when he wrote these words:
This world is not my home I'm just passing through; my treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue, the angels beckon me from Heaven's open door; and I can't feel at home in this world anymore.
These days, it seems that there are many who share Jim Reeves’ sentiments about the world. An increasing number of people are dealing with untold amounts of stress and anxiety and perhaps you find yourself in the same boat. The author of Psalm 119: 81-88 (NIV) describes the details of his own stress and points us towards the answer to anxiety. He writes:
81 My soul faints with longing for your salvation,
but I have put my hope in your word.
82 My eyes fail, looking for your promise;
I say, “When will you comfort me?”
83 Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke,
I do not forget your decrees.
84 How long must your servant wait?
When will you punish my persecutors?
85 The arrogant dig pits to trap me,
contrary to your law.
86 All your commands are trustworthy;
help me, for I am being persecuted without cause.
87 They almost wiped me from the earth,
but I have not forsaken your precepts.
88 In your unfailing love preserve my life,
that I may obey the statutes of your mouth.
True hope can only be found in God’s word (Psalm 42:5; Psalm 62:5). As Edward Mote (1834) reminds us, “On Christ the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.” Sooner or later everything else will fail, but God’s word will endure forever (1 Peter 1:25). Perhaps if we give up anything this Lent, let it be worry. Let us lean on the everlasting arms that will never fail us. Today, dare to thrive in his word! He alone can give you the joy, comfort and peace you seek in these tumultuous and uncertain days.
Father in heaven, you are my anchor in the storm. Teach me walk with you, trust in you and hide in you for you are my anchor in every storm. Amen.