Psalm 119: Revive Me

Psalm 119 is special in many ways. It is the longest chapter in the Bible (176 verses). It is an acrostic that uses the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet (all eight lines in each of the 22 sections begin with that same letter in the original Hebrew). It is God's Word in praise of God's Word.

The writer of this Psalm expresses great desire to know and be committed to the Word of the Lord. Many terms are used to describe God's Word: law, saying, commandment, statutes, precepts, ordinances and testimony. Reading Psalm 119 is a wonderful way to prayerfully begin each daily quiet time with our Heavenly Father.
"Revive me according to Thy word."
"Revive me through Thy righteousness."
"Revive me according to Thy loving kindness."
"Revive me, Oh Lord, according to Thine ordinances."
"Revive me in Thy ways."

These petitions and their variations are repeated throughout the Psalm. The sincerity of the psalmist's heart is reflected in his approach and his requests:
"With all my heart I have sought Thee." v.10
"Thy word I have treasured in my heart." v. 11
"Open my eyes..." v. 18
"Teach me..." v. 26
"Make me understand..." v. 27
"Strengthen me..." v. 28
"Incline my heart..." v. 36
"Sustain me..." v. 116
"Uphold me..." v. 117
"Establish my footsteps..." v 133

These are the words and this is the attitude of a person seeking the Lord's revival in his/her heart. Does Psalm 119 reflect our own? The psalmist didn't wait until he had manufactured his own longing for God -- he asked God to create it: "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Thy servant..." v. 176.