Endurance in the Dark

Endurance in the Dark

               ⁸⁴ How long must your servant endure? ⁸² My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?” Psalm 119:84,82 esv [When will you come to me “with strength” com- with+ fort-strength.]

           The Psalmist was having a difficult time running the endurance race the Lord had laid out before him. [“let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. . . Heb. 12:1 esv]

He searched and immediately found a couple of things to help him and give him greater endurance. He thought of God's faithfulness and realized that He is always there to strengthen and sustain us. ^“Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.” 119:89-91 ^“This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.” 119:50

          And thinking on God's Word reminded him of how much he delighted in it. “If your [Word] had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.” 119:92

In fact when a person goes through a difficult trial or test or is tortured by his own dilemma often there are precious few things that he delights in. But God “takes pleasure” in His works—and we should, too. God takes pleasure in those who love and obey Him—and we should, too. God takes pleasure in being gracious and compassionate—and we should, too.

           Don't be like the author of Ecclesiastes who said, “the evil days come and the years draw near of which you will say, 'I have no pleasure in them.” Eccl.12:1 The Lord wants you to take pleasure in His blessings, in His gifts with a thankful heart and a song on your lips. God
“gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 1 Tim. 6:17 ^“For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalm 92:4 God's works of course are His works in creation and in sustaining what He created, but God's works are also His providential care of you every day.

           “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” 119:103,105