"My soul clings to the dust;
give me life according to your word!
When I told of my ways, you answered me;
teach me your statutes!
Make me understand the way of your precepts,
and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
My soul melts away for sorrow;
strengthen me according to your word!
Put false ways far from me
and graciously teach me your law!
I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
I set your rules before me.
I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
let me not be put to shame!
I will run in the way of your commandments
when you enlarge my heart!"
Psalm 119:25-32


Big Idea: God brings us from sorrow to sweetness (and beyond!) through fervent prayer.


From weighed down to wonder (v.25-27).

A cry for life (v.25)
Life is given (v.26)
Hope for wonder (v.27)


From wavering to running (v.27-32).

A cry for strength (v.27-28)
Strength is given (v.30-31)
Hope for running (v.32)


“The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season!
Now, please don’t ask why. No one quite knows the reason.
It could be his head wasn’t screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all may have been that his heart was two sizes too small.”  Dr. Suess


“This sickbed is a Bethel to me: it is none other than the house of God, and the gate of heaven. I can scarcely express the pleasures that I have enjoyed in this affliction. The nearer I draw to my dissolution, the happier I am. It scarcely can be called an affliction, it is so counterbalanced with joy.”  Samuel Pearce




Questions for Discussion:

1. How do you tend to handle “soul sorrow”? What do you think your biggest barrier is to crying out to the Lord in it?


2. What is the life that God gives in v.26? How is that different that we typically think of “life”?


3. Where are some areas you are wavering? What would a new strength or resolve look like for you?


4. What is the difference between “standing” in God’s ways and “running” in God’s ways?


5. Describe one way you want the Lord to enlarge your heart in 2026, and spend time praying with a fellow believer for that.