Psalm 119:81-84 - A Dark Hour

September 2, 2026

A Dark Hour #

Psalm 119:81-84

Introduction

I read the word Octet; that is what each set of verses are called. I have been struggling with what to call each section, but that is the proper word. Each section is consistent with 8 verses. Octet is fitting.

Have you ever been at a dark time in your life. I mean, when everything seemed like it was falling apart, nothing would go right, and you wondered if God was listening, cared, or even out there? Maybe you feel that way right now. Sometimes, we really struggle in life. Sometimes, things get really discouraging in life. David, felt this way in his life. We can really benefit from what God inspired him to write, as a help, benefit, and blessing to us.

  • The same idea comes up repetitively in this octet, so it is not broke into sections, but rather three dominant thoughts ring through this octet.

I. David’s Condition (Psalm 119:81, 85, 86b) #

A. Faint (Psalm 119:81) #

i. Time seemingly stands still. #

    • David has been waiting a long time for salvation
    • When you are under stress of being attacked, a very short amount of time, can feel like an eternity!

ii. We grow weary in waiting! #

Galatians 6:9 — And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

    • We are not talking about weariness in punishment for wrong doing… but weary in battle!

B. Failing to find answers (Psalm 119:82, 83) #

i. Searching the Scriptures #

  • He searches the Scriptures until his eyes are bloodshot, and he cannot see straight, and doesn’t find the answers he wants.

ii. Smokey bottle #

    • This is not a glass bottle as we would immediately think. A bottle in Bible times (OT) was made of leather skin. After use, they were hung by the fire to dry them out, they would become black and wrinkled.

      • David was equating his face to being wrinkled, blackened by the trouble.

C. Forlorn & Forgotten (Psalm 119:84) #

  • David asks, “God have you left me?” (84a)
  • David asks, “Are you going to take care of my enemies?” – Did you forget??

D. Fought against #

i. Traps (85a) #

ii. Persecuted (86b) #

iii. Defeated (87a) #

II. David’s Cry #

A. Hope (Psalm 119:81b) #

i. “but” – conjunction – a continuation in the thought #

    • He continues… is not finished!

ii. I’ve not given up HOPE! #

  • He may be weak in body, but strong in spirit!
  • He has not given up on God!

B. Holding on (Psalm 119:83b, 87b) #

  • Sometimes all you can do, is hold on!

i. Not forgotten (83b) #

  • He feels like God has forgotten him, and even questions if He has…

  • He has not forgotten God’s Word!

    • Don’t get away from God’s Word!
    • Sometimes in busy-ness we forget about God’s Word.

ii. Not forsaken (87b) #

  • “almost consumed”, but not forsaking!

  • Not only not forgotten, but not forsaken – to quit, or leave entirely,

    • You and I know people who have QUIT on God!
    • They have given up!

C. Help (Psalm 119:86b) #

i. God’s Word is true! “all thy commandments are faithful” #

  • God’s Word rings true every time!

ii. Help ME! #

Matthew 7:7–8 —7 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

III. David’s Commitment (Psalm 119:88) #

A. Revive me! #

  • Quicken – primarily, to make alive; to vivify; to revive or resuscitate. 2 to make alive in a spiritual sense

i. David recognizes his weakness #

  • He knows he is at a low point, he is physically, spiritually, and emotionally drained.
  • When your spiritual battery get’s low, the only place to get a refill is God!

ii. God is loving and kind – to recharge! #

B. Renewed commitment #

  • “None keep the word of the Lord’s mouth unless the word of the Lord’s mouth quickens them.” C.H. Spurgeon

i. Renewed vow #

  • When God answers your prayer, recommit yourself to him!
  • Most people say something like this, “God if you will get me out of this mess, I will be faithful to you.” Their situation gets better, and they never do their part!
  • Don’t just talk the talk, walk the walk! Be faithful to God!

ii. Be a doer of the word, not just a reader! “keep the testimony of thy mouth.” #

iii. Verbal inspiration “thy mouth” #

2 Timothy 3:16–17 —16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Tags: Trials Psalm Prayer Commitment