I WOULD HAVE DIED IN MY MISERY
Psalm 119:92
If your law/word had not been my delight, I would have died in my misery.
The Psalmist’s words resonate deeply with my soul. Many times, over the last 51 years, I have found myself in situations and circumstances that to me, literally felt like a torture chamber. They were mentally, emotionally, and psychologically that difficult and tormenting. Situations that were simply nightmarish and insane. Circumstances that literally should not have been happening, making no logical, rational sense. Some lasted for years. The strain was extremely intense. The degree of suffering I could only describe as misery.
Many Christian leaders, and much of Christianity today, fail to adequately describe just how incredibly difficult the Christian journey really is, as “Joel Osteen” Christianity, or a variation thereof, infects much of 21st century Christianity. They fail to graphically convey the anguish, the suffering, the torment you must endure if you are going to truly follow Jesus Christ in this world. It will be the most difficult thing you ever do in this life. The cross is real. The weight of it is real. The torment is real. The suffering is real. The cost to you is real. The burden and weight of Grace—yes, is easy and light. But the weight of the cross, of following Christ in this world, is extremely difficult. If you think otherwise, I urge you, read the Book of Jeremiah. Read Lamentations. Read the Book of Job. Carefully read over the life of the Apostle Paul. Read King David’s journey.
A few weeks ago, I showed you an “artifact” photo of my four Bibles. It is my time spent reading those Bibles over the last 51 years, the time spent training my brain, renewing my mind and my spirit with God’s word—imprinting it on my soul, claiming its promises, clinging to its truths, letting it guide my steps and decisions, delighting in it, focusing on it, and allowing it to shape my entire worldview and perspectives—that’s kept me from dying in my misery and torment. That’s God’s honest truth.
Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for my only hope is in your laws. –Psalm 119:43
Remember your promise to me, for it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in my trouble. –Psalm 119:49-50
What you say goes, God, and stays, as permanent as the heavens. Your truth never goes out of fashion; it’s as relevant as the earth when the sun comes up. Your Word and truth are dependable as ever; that’s what you ordered—you set the earth going. If your revelation hadn’t delighted me so, I would have given up when the hard times came. But I’ll never forget the advice you gave me; you saved my life with those wise words. Save me! I’m all yours. I look high and low for your words of wisdom. The wicked lie in ambush to destroy me, but I’m only concerned with your plans for me. –Psalm 119:89-96 Message
Just what should our attitude and affection toward the Word Of God be? Read Psalm 119 and you’ll find out. Then ask yourself, “Does that describe you?”
I urge you—make God’s word your delight, your priority, your meditation. Train your mind and beliefs with its truths. If you don’t, in some way, shape, or form, you will die in your misery.
If you get a chance, take time to watch the 1975 movie The Hiding Place. I have watched this true story many, many times, and each time I’ve observed this: Corrie Ten Boom and her sister treasured, above all else, a small Bible they secretly brought with them into the concentration camp. Their devotion and love of God’s word miraculously allowed them to survive the torment and misery of that nightmarish place. That same Bible will help you survive the nightmarish adversities of this life, if you devote yourself to it!
Here is the movie trailer: The Hiding Place Trailer (1975)
Helping you become a Strong Disciple,
Because of Jesus,
Pastor Mark Darling
