Psalm 119:81-88 My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to your law. All your commands are trustworthy; help me, for men persecute me without cause. They almost wiped me from the earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts. Preserve my life according to your love, and I will obey the statutes of your mouth.
In this passage David talks about sitting in the waiting room. Waiting for God is hard work. There are situations that are beyond our ability to change- so we pray and we wait. How long must your servant wait? Is there a tinge of frustration there? David was real with God, but at the same time he balanced that with a steadfast hope. There was no doubt in his mind that God was going to act – it wasn’t a matter of if – only a matter of when. In the meantime he clung to God’s Word with all of his strength.
How about you – where are you in the waiting room right now? What are you waiting for God to do? Are you actively waiting like David – pouring your heart out to God and setting your hope in His Word? Make this passage your own – personalize it to your own situation and make it your prayer to the Lord.
