Psalms 119:116 - Meaning and Application

David prays here for grace that will keep him standing. He asks, “Uphold me,” and then repeats it, “Hold me up.” He knows he cannot keep going in duty by his own strength, and he also knows he is in danger of falling into sin unless God prevents it by grace. So he earnestly asks God to hold him fast in a life of integrity (Psalm 41:12), to keep him from falling and from growing weary, so that he will not turn toward evil or grow tired of doing good.

He also gives reasons for his request. First, he leans on God’s promise, and on his own trust in that promise: “Uphold me, according to your word, which I hope in.” If God did not keep that word, David would be put to shame, as if he had trusted in something empty. But those who hope in God’s word will never be disappointed, because God does not fail them.

Second, he points to his deep need and the good this grace would bring. “Uphold me, that I may live,” means more than staying alive in a physical sense. David is saying that without God’s grace he would fall into sin, death, and ruin, but if God holds him up, he will live. His spiritual life will be kept safe, and it will also be a sign and foretaste of eternal life. “Hold me up, and I shall be safe” means safe from danger and even from fear of danger. Our true security rests on God’s help.

Third, he promises to use that grace well. “Hold me up,” he says, “and then I will have respect to your statutes continually.” In other words, he will keep his eyes and feet fixed on God’s commands and will not turn aside. Some understand him to mean, “I will busy myself in your statutes.” Others take it as, “I will delight myself in your statutes.” Either way, the point is clear: if God’s right hand supports us, then by his strength we can keep doing our duty with both diligence and joy.