I always appreciate the psalmist’s honesty. We never wonder how he’s feeling, do we? We can’t read his writings without realizing our own propensity for pain and even death. In this passage, he reminds us where to go for soul CPR. He’s telling us to put the paddles of the Word to our frame and watch the junk in our lives flee from the power of God.

Life crushes us. We like to pretend otherwise, but the sheer weight of mortality grinds away at our bodies. It’s not unlike the Torture Machine in the eighties classic “The Princess Bride.” Life likes to see just how much pain the human frame can withstand before it collapses altogether.

But be encouraged. The Word brings us back from the brink and restores our vitality. If we are questioning the link between the Word and life, we need not search any further than Psalm 119. Our dear, honest psalmist solidifies the connection a mere twenty-one times by my count. He reminds us that there is life to be gained in God’s word. His statues are the perfect power up for our souls.

“I have suffered much; preserve my life, Lord, according to your word.” (Psalm‬ ‭119:107‬ ‭NIV‬‬)