June 1, 2021

Psalms Series

Psalm 119 – Four Ways to Depend on God

Episode 57

Psalm 119:176 (NIV)
 176  I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.

The writer of this psalm was a man of prayer.  He was a man of the Word.  He was diligent in studying the Scriptures.  He was godly in his character.  And yet he writes these words: “I have strayed like a lost sheep”, or as it is translated in the NLT, “I have wandered away like a lost sheep.”

With this humble description the psalmist declares that he needs a fresh touch from God.  And in the preceding verses he asked the Lord for 4 things in this final section of the psalm.  Let’s discover them together as we examine this portion of the 119th Psalm.  

1. The 1st thing that he prays for is understanding.  Look with me at the 169th verse.
    
   Psalm 119:169 (NIV)
    169  May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. 
    
2. The psalmist prayed for a greater understanding.  2nd, he prayed for deliverance. 
    
   Psalm 119:170 (NIV)
    170  May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. 
    
3. The 3rd thing that the psalmist prays for is to have a heart of worship.
    
   Psalm 119:171-172 (NIV)
    171  May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. 
    172  May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. 
    
4. The last thing that he prays for is for power to live an upright life. 
    
   Psalm 119:173 (NIV)
    173  May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.