This last message of five on Psalm 119 explores not only verses 137-176 but ties together the main idea of the whole psalm. It addresses the strange paradox that, despite the psalmist’s total devotion to obedience, meditation on the Word and prayer, he still feels weak, sorrowful and afflicted. He ends the psalm (verse 176) with a sigh—“I have become like a sheep who has gone astray”. He talks about his soul clinging to the dust and he likens himself to a wineskin in the smoke, perhaps expressing an experience of feeling empty, dry and dirty. What is happening? What is God doing with this man? Why do we often seek hard after God only to feel weak and afflicted? Pastor Scott spends most of the message answering these questions. God is sovereign and He knows what He’s doing. He is bringing his saints to a place of humility, desperation, neediness, hunger and thirst in preparation to receive more of Him. When we understand God’s ways we trust him instead of shrinking back. This is an important message especially for those questioning why life seems so hard sometimes.