As the Psalmist opens this passage, we can see his great weariness. He is heavily pressed and ready to faint. Even so, he clings to God’s word for his hope. “81) My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. 82) Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? 83) For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes.” (verses 81-83)
How long will these days go on! God, how long before You will do something to help me? Our own hearts often have these thoughts and feelings. They are nothing new. The Psalmist expressed the same in these verses, “84) How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? 85) The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law.” He was persecuted and had to watch his every step, and he was tired of it, ready to just give up and be done with it. But he had one hope, “86) All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. 87) They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts.” (verses 86 and 87) The Psalmist knew God’s word was faithful, and He cried to the only One who could help him. He cast himself upon the promises of God.
In verse eighty-eight, the Psalmist made this desperate plea, “Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.” Quicken me – restore my life and vigor, give my energy back. Show to me Thy lovingkindness, and I will keep Your word.
This passage ends without the Psalmist receiving the answer to his desperate cries. Yet, it ends with hope, the hope that God will answer in His lovingkindness. We have this same hope, and we can come to this same God with our desperate pleas. We can remember the faithfulness of God’s word and cast ourselves upon its promises. Since God’s word is faithful, we can trust His word and obey it. We will not be ashamed when we see God answer our prayers and see His work on our behalf.