Give Me Life! | Psalm 119

We’ve been looking through the frames of the word-brushed paintings of God’s life-creating power in Genesis 1-3 as we read Psalm 119. One of the most repeated prayers throughout Psalm 119 is for God to “give me life according to your word” (Ps 119:25). The powerful imagery from Genesis 1-2 provides a compelling, imagination-filled meditation on how God’s word gives us life. (See the show notes to the previous episode for more on what’s so unique about Psalm 119.) Psalm 119 ESV 25   My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! 37 Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.  40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!  50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.  88 In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.  93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life.  107 I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word!  149 Hear my voice according to your steadfast love; O LORD, according to your justice give me life.  154 Plead my cause and redeem me; give me life according to your promise!  156 Great is your mercy, O LORD; give me life according to your rules.  159 Consider how I love your precepts! Give me life according to your steadfast love. Genesis 1:1–3 NIV 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 2:7 NIV Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Genesis 2:9–10 NIV The LORD God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree o