"I am worn out waiting for your rescue, but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your instructions have dug deep pits to trap me. All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your laws." - Psalm 119: 81-88 NLT

Do you have a friend that is hard to count on? They say that they’ll show up on time or do that thing for you.

But they never do.

They are still your friend, but you keep them at arms distance. You don’t want to be hurt by them anymore.

The psalmist in this stanza feels similarly about God. You and I probably have felt similar at some points, or even right now. This stanza is a significant shift from the previous sections.



There have been cries for help and pleas for rescue, but only for a verse or two; not the whole section. There are a couple things to note:

God’s Word is the Only Consistent Thing

Verse 87: They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments.

Consistency is important for everything:

• relationships
• personal and career growth
• working out
• achieving goals
• etc.

Consistency is important for children. They need to know their needs will be met or they can develop some serious trauma issues or mental health barriers.

The psalmist knows God’s word is consistency good. He hangs onto it, refusing to abandon it. He will cling to it even in the face of certain death.

We’ll Go Through Tough Seasons, But That Doesn’t Change God’s Goodness

Verse 84: How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me?

We’ve all asked God, “How long…?” or “When will you…?” If you haven’t I wonder if you actually have a relationship with him.

We should ask God these things. He’s God. I think He can handle our frustrations. He wants us to be that vulnerable with Him.

Think about it. You only vent to people you trust. It’s a vulnerable thing. And even when we are in fight or flight, we are vulnerable. We’re in a tough season.

Yet, the psalmist still understands and knows that God’s Word is good and will always be that way. Unlike that one friend you might have, God shows up on time and we can count on Him always.

Journal Questions

1. When are times you’ve been let down by a friend or loved one?
2. When are times you let down a friend or a loved one?
3. What are ways you can rely on God this week?