Hope for Hurting Hearts

Throughout Psalm 119 the writer voices his love and delight in God’s Word amid all types of situations, even in the face of death and dangerous circumstances.
Every day we are inundated with statistics pertaining to the Coronavirus.  Several times a day the media reports the data of confirmed cases, deaths, outbreaks, and those tested. There are also stories about the effects of the pandemic on the economy, and the toll on mental health.  We need to be aware of what is happening, the dangers, the steps we should take to stay safe, and the recommendations the governments are proposing.  I’m sure you have noticed that sometimes the information we hear can be conflicting and confusing. There comes a time when we need to turn off these voices, and remember to be still, and know that God is in control.  Let's look further into Psalm 119 to see what other help God has for us during this time.
The writer seems almost inconsolable in verses 25 & 28, except that he ends each desperate utterance with words of hope.
“My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to Your Word.” (vs 25)
“My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to Your Word.” (vs 28).
If you are feeling alone, confused, afraid, or perhaps just uneasy read verses 25–40 and notice what the writer asked of the Lord, and what the writer promised to do.
The Psalmist reminds us that through devastating times God’s Word is our anchor and guide.  The chapter is full of verses that bring comfort and hope to our hearts and minds.  They also point to areas in our life that may be contributing to our anxiety and fear.
The following verse gives us a bit of insight as to the reason some are feeling so helpless and alone.
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” (vs 39)
I find that I often need to review my choices of entertainment and leisure activities. If I don’t do this, I find that my state of mind can become negative. God teaches in Philippians 4 that when we keep our eyes on Him, rejoicing, praying, obeying, and trusting with a heart of thanksgiving He will keep our hearts and minds at peace.

"4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness[d] be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

The following verses provide a helpful list of guidelines to use when determining if a certain activity is something that will be pleasing to our Saviour.

"8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  9  What you have learned[e] and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Filling our hearts and minds with God’s Word, and “turning our eyes away from worthless things,” help us view the current events with God’s perspective.  Keeping God’s Word at the centre of our being gives rise to a balanced life, free from the helplessness and negativity being experienced by so many who are without God.
                                   God’s promises bring Hope for Hurting Hearts.