RESTORER OF LIFE

Psalm 119:25-32 says, "I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. Lord, don't let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding." The dust refers to being in a life-threatening condition and unable to rescue himself; as a result, the writer of the psalm prayed to God to restore him to the fullness of life. He understood that if his life were to be renewed, God must save him, and he was not only looking for physical renewal but also spiritual. He wanted to regain his physical vitality, but at the same time, he wanted to live joyfully and peacefully by walking according to God's Word. 

God is the only one who could heal our sickness and restore us spiritually. Our joy and peace come not only from physical health, but also from having a good relationship with God as we walk according to His Word. Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, "People do not live by bread alone, but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God." Jesus meant that His Word brings life to us because His truth leads us to life. When we live according to our ways and disregard God's Word in our lives, we get into all kinds of trouble because we are relying on our limited knowledge and strength. Sooner or later, we will realize that we need God to direct our lives to the right path because where we are heading leads to despair and emptiness, especially when we are in a desperate condition that we cannot get ourselves out of. We need God to restore our physical and spiritual health. We need to listen and obey God's Word, for it will lead us to the truth and restore our lives.

God can renew our lives no matter what conditions we are in. He can restore us to the fullness of life when we obey His Word. Let us choose life in Him, and let us experience His joy and peace that can only come from obeying His Word.  

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Who can restore me to the fullness of life? What must I do for God to restore my life? What lesson did I learn from today's devotion?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, you know the condition of my life right now. I need your physical and spiritual renewal. You are the only one who can restore me to the fullness of life. Please forgive me if I haven't walked according to your Word lately. Please forgive and restore me that I may experience your joy and peace once again. Please continue to renew my mind according to your Word and change my heart to a pure heart. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.