Psalms 119:107
I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word.
Psalms 119:107 (KJV)
Context
Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the book of Psalms, consisting of 176 verses. It is an acrostic poem, with each stanza starting with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalmist expresses a deep love and devotion to God’s law and seeks His guidance and deliverance throughout the entire psalm. In the immediate context, verse 105 declares that God’s word is a lamp unto the feet and a light unto the path, and verse 106 records the psalmist’s oath to keep God’s righteous judgments. This plea for revival in verse 107 is therefore connected to a life committed to obedience.
Meaning
In verse 107, the psalmist acknowledges being afflicted greatly. Affliction refers to experiencing distress, trouble, or hardship. The psalmist recognizes the weight of their affliction and turns to the Lord for help. The plea to “quicken me” comes from the Hebrew word chayah, meaning to bring life, revive, or restore. The psalmist seeks God’s intervention and restoration, desiring renewed strength, vitality, and deliverance. This is not merely a request for physical preservation but for spiritual revival—life and strength to continue in faithfulness. The phrase “according unto thy word” grounds the request in God’s promises, showing that the psalmist’s hope is based on God’s revealed truth rather than on circumstances.
Biblical connections
The psalmist anchors their plea for deliverance in God’s Word, appealing to the Lord to act according to His promises and principles. This pattern appears throughout Psalm 119, where the psalmist repeatedly asks for revival in verses 25, 37, 40, 88, 149, 154, 156, and 159. Each request reflects a consistent theme: affliction drives the psalmist to God’s word for guidance and renewal. The psalmist recognizes that God’s Word is powerful and life-giving, capable of bringing about the transformation and restoration they desperately seek. They understand that God’s Word holds the key to their deliverance and ultimate well-being.
Application
Psalm 119:107 teaches us several valuable lessons:
Trusting God in affliction: The psalmist’s response to affliction is to turn to the Lord. Instead of relying on their own strength or seeking worldly solutions, they trust in God’s faithfulness and seek His intervention. We can learn from this and turn to God in our times of trouble, knowing that He is our refuge and strength.
Seeking revival through God’s Word: The psalmist recognizes that true revival and renewal come from God. They understand that studying and meditating on God’s Word is vital for spiritual growth, restoration, and deliverance. We can follow their example by immersing ourselves in Scripture, allowing it to transform and revive our hearts and minds.
Claiming God’s promises: The psalmist appeals to the Lord to act according to His Word. Similarly, we can hold on to God’s promises found in Scripture, knowing that He is faithful to fulfil them. When we face afflictions, we can find comfort and hope in the assurance that God’s Word will not return void.
Reflection
Psalm 119:107 expresses the psalmist’s plea for deliverance in the midst of affliction. It reminds us of the importance of turning to God, seeking revival through His Word, and trusting in His promises. The psalmist’s honesty about affliction and dependence on God’s word serve as a model for believers facing trials. May we also find encouragement in this verse as we navigate the challenges of life and seek God’s intervention.
