Psalms 119:176 - Meaning and Application

Here we have, 1. A penitent confession: “I have gone astray,” or wandered around like a lost sheep. Just as unconverted sinners are like lost sheep (Luke 15:4), so weak and unsteady believers are like lost sheep too (Matthew 18:12-13). We are quick to wander like sheep, and when we do, we are very slow to find the way back. By wandering, we lose the peace and comfort of the green pastures and leave ourselves open to many troubles.

2. A believing petition: “Seek your servant.” This is like the good shepherd who looks for a wandering sheep and brings it back again (Ezekiel 34:12). David is saying, “Lord, seek me as I used to seek my sheep when they went astray,” for he had been a caring shepherd himself. “Lord, claim me as one of your own. Though I am a stray sheep, I still bear your mark. Care about me. Send after me through your word, through conscience, and through providences, your guiding acts in life. Bring me back by your grace.” Seek me, that is, find me, because God never seeks in vain. Turn me, and I will be turned.

3. An obedient plea: “Though I have gone astray, I have not wilfully turned away. I do not forget your commandments.” So he ends the psalm with sorrow over his sin and trust in God’s grace. A devout Christian should end both daily duties and life itself this way, living and dying with repentance and prayer. Notice three things here. First, it is the mark of good people that they do not forget God’s commandments. They welcome conviction and are firmly settled in their resolve to obey. Second, even those who, by grace, keep duty in mind must still admit that they have often wandered from it. Third, those who have wandered, if they still remember their duty, may humbly trust themselves to God’s grace.