“Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.” Psalm 119.76
We cannot understand the psalmist’s prayer in this verse without remembering the context. The psalmist has proclaimed that God is righteous. He has also reminded himself that his affliction is a sign of God’s faithfulness in chastening him. That mature response to his trials is only possible with a deep understanding of the steadfast love of God.
Notice that the psalmist does not ask for the Lord to remove his chastening. Rather, he longs to find comfort in the steadfast love, the abundant mercy, of his Lord. And he knows that love because he knows the promises of God—he knows God’s word. The psalmist prays confidently for comfort in the midst of affliction, because his confidence is buttressed with faith in the promises of God.
When we face affliction, when we face the loving, faithful chastening of God, we can still trust in him. We can find comfort in his steadfast love. We can call on him for comfort. And, we can do so confidently because of how he has revealed himself and his promises in his word.
In what ways do you find comfort in the word of God? How have you seen his promises fulfilled throughout history? How have you seen his promises fulfilled in your own life? Spend some time thinking on the Lord’s faithfulness to his promises, including his promise to discipline those he loves. Praise him for his faithfulness.
Father, faithful and true, we praise you for your steadfast love. Help us, dear Lord, to find comfort in you and your promises. Strengthen our faith. Give us a greater understanding of your word—that we might worship you in spirit and truth. Amen.