A Look at Psalm 119:117

Psalm 119:117 “Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard for your decrees.”
 

To be upheld, someone must be strengthened and supported. David was asking God to strengthen him and support him for the purpose of deliverance. Our deliverance comes through God. However, it’s not as much a literal, physical deliverance as it is a spiritual one.
 

Consider fear for a moment. Some say fear comes from the unknown. Not true! Fear comes from feeling you need to be your own protector and provider. When a person feels they are responsible for their own protection, then the unknown becomes a factor. However, what would a person fear if they walked hand in hand with Jesus? The unknown would not even be a factor. When Jesus supports us and strengthens us, we are automatically delivered from fear. We don’t even have to be physically removed from our situation to be delivered.
 

If a person feels they are solely responsible for their own provision, they, too, will live in a world of fear, especially in an unstable economy. When they fully realize Jesus is their provider, their fear leaves. No health care plan in the world can give us the peace Jesus can. When we know Jesus is our strength and support, it removes the pressure that providing and protecting bring.
 

The New Testament sums all of this up quite nicely, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18). There is no fear in maturity because the mature person understands God’s love for him/her. 

Understanding God’s love means we understand His protection and provision for us. If a person still lives in fear, it’s because their relationship with the Lord is not what it ought to be. The only way to turn that around is through the daily life of prayer. 

I encourage you to take some time to meditate on this verse today. As you do, ask God to uphold you. 

Continued