So many movies depict scenes where people are on the verge of perishing. Then at the last moment help comes.
God doesn’t want any of us to perish and Psalm 119 speaks of how we can avoid perishing.
Psalm 119:92 If your law (Word) had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. (ESV)
I added (Word), because in the New Testament it is God’s gracious good news that we delight in. Another verse along these lines:
Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. (NKJV)
The movie “Anne of Green Gables” had the following exchange:
Anne Shirley: “Can't you even imagine you're in the depths of despair?” Marilla Cuthbert: “No I cannot. To despair is to turn your back on God”.
Here are some thoughts how delighting saves us from perishing:
Continuing in despair will only lead to deeper despair.
The psalmist had a choice and he said: “If your law had not been my delight” ...
The psalmist gave his attention to the right thing.
The deep joy God deposited in our spirits is awakened by the treasures of God’s Word. (Psalm 119:162)
Even though it is difficult to turn from affliction and delight in God’s Word, once we do, His strength and wisdom save us from perishing.
Every blessing to each of you,
Tony