I love the language of the psalmist here, and really all throughout Psalm 119. There is desperation in the prayer, deep longing to see the salvation of God and to receive a reprieve from suffering.

Since I don’t have winskins hanging around my house, I decided to investigate what it would mean for a wineskin to be smoked. What I found was a that a wineskin left in smoke would become hardened, dried, even shriveled up.

My mind was instantly brought to the condition of many hearts. It made me shiver a bit as I remembered different seasons where my own heart could have been described this way.

Can you relate as well?

But friend, can I encourage you with these words of Scripture to know and believe that we have hope in God and in His promises? This year has been hard, to say the least, but wherever you may find yourself as we draw towards the end of 2020, you can stand firm on the promises of God. He has not left you nor forsaken you.

When the smoke surrounds us and threatens to shrivel up our hearts, we remember the faithfulness of our God, His promises and statutes, and allow them to breathe life into our fragile places. We can experience freedom in our longing and desperation but also in His grace and presence. Take courage dear friend, hope in God! He is our firm foundation and place of refuge.

May the God of peace be with you!