Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me…

This song, by Matt Redman, is the background music for our psalm today. But I wonder if my grip on God and His Word is as strong as His grip on me.  It should be, for God is all I need and everything I long for in my life.  He is Love.  He is Healer, Protector and Provider.  He is God.

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me…

The Psalmist’s Faith and Patience. The focus is on the responses of the believer while he waited for the Lord to judge his enemies and deliver him from persecution and danger. His oppressors were also the enemies of the Lord and of Israel, so his concern was more than personal. Satan has been seeking to exterminate the Jews since the time the nation was in Egypt, and he will continue until the end times (Rev. 12). The Christian life is a battleground, not a playground, and we must expect troubles of this world so we are prepared for them with Jesus! (John 16:33)

So that’s why WE don’t lose our grip, never letting go, of the power, counsel, love, mercy and grace of our Lord.  Jesus is our Savior, Lord and eternal Hope.  God is our Father who loves us.

The writer’s inner person was exhausted from longing for God to work. His eyes were strained from watching for some evidence of His presence. He felt like a dried-up wineskin that had been thrown aside as useless. However, he never gave up hope, for no matter how dark the hour, the future is our friend because Jesus is our Lord. “It is always too soon to quit” (V. Raymond Edman).

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9, NIV

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me
Oh, You never let go, You never let go

Worship and Wisdom, Psalms and Proverbs

Part 11 – Psalm 119, The Message

^81-88 I’m homesick—longing for your salvation;
    I’m waiting for your word of hope.
My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise;
    how long must I wait for your comfort?
There’s smoke in my eyes—they burn and water,
    but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post.
How long do I have to put up with all this?
    How long till you haul my tormentors into court?
The arrogant godless try to throw me off track,
    ignorant as they are of God and his ways.
Everything you command is a sure thing,
    but they harass me with lies. Help!
They’ve pushed and pushed—they never let up—
    but I haven’t relaxed my grip on your counsel.
In your great love revive me
    so I can alertly obey your every word.

TRUTH:  Never let go.  God never lets go of us.  Our grip on His counsel is life.  His great love is our hope.  “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, is to trust and obey”.  (Old hymn of truth.)

Proverb 3:3-6, The Message

WISDOM: “Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
    Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
    in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people.

^5-12 Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

Abba Father,

Thank you for saving my soul and never letting go!  Thank you for your continuous challenges so I will grow and mature in your character.  Thank you for your loving faithfulness and enduring patience with me.  Thank you for bending low to listen then speaking words of wisdom into my heart that revive my spirit and restore my joy of your salvation.  Thank you for Your Word that speaks volumes to me each morning.  Now, help me to hang on with a firm grip on You, to live what I learn.

In Jesus Name, Amen