The twenty-two sections of Psalm 119 flow together as the psalmist declares his appreciation for the Word of God. At the same time, each section tells its own brief story, summarizing various experiences of the believer who knows both faith and difficulty. This passage (vv. 81–88) describes what it is like to endure persistent trouble.

We know what smoke does when we stand near a fire. It irritates and disturbs us. Even more to the point, we know what smoke does to a piece of meat, drying and shriveling it over time. When this is done intentionally, the process prevents food from spoiling; but the image of “a wineskin in smoke” has a different context. The bottles of that day were not made of glass, of course, but of goatskin or some other animal leather, stitched together and sealed internally with resin. With care, a wineskin could last for decades. But a wineskin in smoke was in danger of failing. It would become dry and brittle, stripped of its supple qualities. Soon it would no longer be able to do what it was designed to do.

How aptly this must have described the psalmist’s sense of weariness! Previously he had known vitality and spiritual vigor: “I will run the course of Your commandments,” he declared (v. 32). But now, exposed to the oppressive smoke of this world, his soul was beginning to faint (v. 81).

However, history tells us that a dried-out wineskin could often be restored to use by generously applying oil to its withered exterior. As the Spirit of God brings to our remembrance all that God has promised in His Word, we too can be renewed. Even if we are still waiting for deliverance from trouble, we can join with the psalmist to affirm God’s unfailing character: “Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I may keep the testimony of Your mouth” (v. 88).