November 24, 2019 -- Psalm 119:58 -- Helped to Whole-heartedness
/I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
Psalm 119:58 English Standard Version
The background to the word “entreat” is that one is weak and aware of his need. Previously the writer had vowed to keep the words of the LORD—the God Who Keeps Covenant Faithfulness. In order to do, in order to have the strength to and the desire for the LORD, he needs the LORD’s help. Notice the phrase “with all my heart”—it is a phrase that is repeated in Psalm 119 various times and in various ways.
Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
who seek him with their whole heart verse 2
With my whole heart I seek you,
let me not wander from your commandments! verse 10
This blessing has fallen on me,
that I have kept your precepts. verse 56
Verse 56 is a reference back to verses 2 and 10, noting that God, the Rewarder of His people, pours out His blessing on those who whole-heartedly follow Him.
If you are looking at your life and going, there is no way I am “whole-heartedly” following Him, and you grieve over that, take courage, God will be gracious to you according to His promise. Every victory is the LORD’s. When we cry out to Him. When we confess our desire to be faithful. When we admit our inability to be faithful—He answers. Then, as we see our zeal for God renewed, the credit for this belongs to God alone. He has given the desire and God the Gracious has given the power so that our souls may delight in Him. There is no room for pride. There is no room for us to say, “Look at all I am doing!” Instead, our whole heart, soul, mind and strength praise God and bless Him for giving the grace we asked for so that we can keep His words and find our highest joy in Him.
O come to us Emmanuel, You Who are the LORD of Might, and pour on our dry and weary souls the refreshment of Living Water. O come to us, Emmanuel, God with us, so that our whole heart, soul, mind and strength will be employed in the service of blessing Your Name. Spirit of Jesus, we confess we may only be half-hearted in this prayer, sort of seeking Your help, even so the Word promises that the bruised reed of faith and the weakest murmurings for change You will not despise. Therefore wash into us—every lonely, longing place fill to overflowing with the waters of salvation so that we will bring joyful service and whole-hearted praise to God our Father. Amen.
