In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth. Psalm 119:88
In our pursuit of personal revival as revealed in Psalm 119, we discover the keeping of “the testimonies of your mouth” requires the loving revival action of God.
That I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.
- There is personal responsibility and delight that flows from the longing of David’s soul. “That I.”
- The corporate or national we is important, but David’s priority is upon himself.
- Apparent is an intimacy between “your steadfast love” and “that I may keep.”
- “Keep” seems a more relational term than “obey.”
- David’s interest is in keeping the particulars from “God’s mouth.”
- Hearing the voice of God, as seen in the written the code of law, is a bit more intimate than “may I obey your law.”
- The emphasis upon God’s mouth” implies a close ear to hear. Maybe a heart to heart idea.
- This is a prequel to Jesus’ words in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- It seems this wording is more than “may I obey what you once said,” but “may I hear and respond appropriately to what you are currently saying.”
For the keeping of the testimonies from God’s mouth to occur, the Psalmist recognizes he needs an abiding personal revival.
- Quicken me.
- Cause me to live.
- God’s action is requested for such a noble “Keeping of the testimonies from his mouth.”
Why would God even consider doing this reviving?
The Psalmist appeals to God’s great, enduring mercy and grace wrapped up “In your steadfast love.”
“Respond to me according to Who you are,” the Psalmist requests.
There are more ways than one can estimate that hinder us from “Keeping the testimonies of God’s mouth.”
Fear of failure and fear of others send us to a direct awareness of our need of God’s unfailing love.