How many times have you, as I have, delved into sin—addiction, sexual impropriety, gossip, pride, unbridled anger, slothfulness, and more—in an attempt to mask the pain of life? It’s so easy to respond to emptiness, disappointment, or hurt by turning away from God’s commands.

We find, however, that sin never leads to the peace or lasting fulfillment we crave. Instead, as we take things into our own hands and disobey God, we find only heartache and perhaps even deep depression.

It may be hard to understand how God’s Word can bring satisfaction to our lives when we believe we’re missing out on a human relationship or some material comfort. But it’s only when we communicate with God and place our confidence in Him and His Word that we can experience peace that “exceeds anything we can understand” (Philippians 4:6-7) and contentment that defies circumstances (1 Timothy 6:6).

In Psalm 119, the psalmist—who experienced harassment, hunger, loneliness, suffering, and enemy attacks—testifies that true encouragement is found in God’s Word. There’s so much to be gleaned from “the wonderful truths in [God’s] instructions” (Psalm 119:18). Follow the psalmist’s lead by asking God to . . .

• Help you understand the meaning of His commandments (Psalm 119:130).

• Create within you a desire for His Word (Psalm 119:131).

• Keep you from being overcome by evil (Psalm 119:133).

• Allow you to experience His unfailing love (Psalm 119:135).

• Provide you with right directions for life because He is righteous (Psalm 119:137).

• Equip you with wisdom that’s trustworthy (Psalm 119:138).

Cry out to God. Turn to His Word. Only there will you find the peace and lasting fulfillment that only He can give.

NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 9:1-41