A Thought From the Word

"Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights." Psalm 119:143

David was in trouble. It was not minor, but serious. The word 'anguish' here means a narrow place. Therefore, the idea is that David seemed almost smothered, boxed-in, or pressed down by his trouble. It was real and it was not pleasant.

Yet, in the middle of this situation there was something that gave David great delight. What could it be? The word of God! That which gives food to the soul, perspective to a troubled mind, and promises to a needy heart was the source of David's delight. When we face trouble, we must go back to the solid foundation of God's word. Hard as it may be to imagine for those in painful, difficult circumstances, the word of God can delight your soul.

A few verses earlier, David noted, "They testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful" (119:138). God's word is faithful to supply what we need. His word is faithful because it comes from the character of One who is perfectly faithful. In the day of trouble, look to God by looking to His word.