Psalms 119:76 - Meaning and Application

Here is, first, a heartfelt request to God for his favor. Those who admit that God is just in their troubles, as David had done in Psalm 119:75, may still come to him in faith and humble boldness, asking for his mercy and for the signs and results of that mercy in their suffering. David asks for God’s merciful kindness in Psalm 119:76 and his tender mercies in Psalm 119:77. He claims nothing as something God owes him. All the help he needs in affliction must come from pure mercy and compassion toward one who is hurting and in need. He is asking, “Let your mercy come to me,” meaning, “Show me clearly that you are kind to me and have mercy ready for me, and let that mercy bring relief and rescue.”

Second, he names the good he hopes to receive from God’s lovingkindness. “Let it come to me for my comfort” in Psalm 119:76 means, “Let your mercy be the thing that comforts me, because nothing else will. Let it comfort me no matter what hurts me.” A godly person looks to God alone as the source of all comfort, joy, and blessing. “Let it come to me, so that I may live,” means, “So that I may be revived and find life sweet again, because I have no real joy while I am under God’s displeasure. In his favor is life, and in his disapproval is death.” A good man cannot live with true peace for long unless he has some sign of God’s favor.

Third, he gives reasons for asking for these benefits of God’s favor. He pleads God’s promise, “Give me your kindness according to your word to your servant.” In other words, “Give me the kindness you have promised, because you have promised it.” Our Master has promised all his servants that he will be kind to them, and they may bring that promise back to him in prayer. He also pleads his own trust and delight in that promise: “Your law is my delight; I hope in your word and find joy in that hope.” Those who delight in God’s law may depend on God’s favor, because that favor will surely make them happy.