Lord, Strengthen Me According to Your Word

“My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word.”

— Psalm 119:28 (KJV)

Yesterday I prayed for the Lord to open my eyes and guide my steps. Today the psalmist gives me another honest prayer. He says his soul clings to the dust. He is not pretending to be strong. He asks God to revive him according to His Word.

I appreciate that honesty. There are days when I feel weighed down, yet I still try to keep moving without telling the Lord what is happening in my heart. The psalmist says, “I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me.” I can bring my whole self to God. He hears me.

Then he asks to understand God’s precepts and to speak of His wonderful works. His answer to heaviness is not to turn away from God’s Word, but to ask the Lord for strength through it. He chooses the way of truth and holds fast to God’s testimonies.

The last verse catches my attention: “I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.” I want to obey, but I cannot create that willing, spacious heart on my own. I need the Lord to work within me.

Lord, when I feel too tired even to walk, strengthen me according to Your Word. Help me choose truth today, and give me a heart that can run in Your ways.

Reflection

Where do I feel weighed down today? Am I bringing that honestly to God and asking Him to strengthen me through His Word?

Prayer

Lord, You know when I feel low and weary. Thank You for hearing me when I tell You my ways. Teach me Your truth, strengthen me according to Your Word, and enlarge my heart so I can walk in obedience with joy. In Jesus’ name, amen.