A Wineskin in the Smoke – Psalm 119:81-88

Persecution is scary, frustrating, and likely to challenge our faith in God.  The psalmist experienced this.

Kaph   

My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word.  My eyes long for your promise; I ask, “When will you comfort me?”  For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.  How long must your servant endure? When will you judge those who persecute me?  The insolent have dug pitfalls for me; they do not live according to your law.  All your commandments are sure; they persecute me with falsehood; help me!  They have almost made an end of me on earth, but I have not forsaken your precepts.  In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth.  (Psalm 119:81-88 ESV)

When Jacob was facing a potentially fatal meeting with his brother, Esau, he stayed in camp by himself before the meeting and God came into his camp and wrestled with him.  Jacob was drying up like a wine skin subjected to smoke and perhaps wondering where God’s promise of blessing was.  Jacob clung to God as they wrestled despite the fact that God could defeat him.  Jesus did the same thing in Gethsemane.  When it feels like we are at our end we nevertheless cling to God and trust His promises and precepts.  We continue to do right, not because it gets us what we want, but because it is godlike.