Vs. 83 — For I have become like a wineskin in smoke, Yet I do not forget Your statutes.

Rosenmüller, quoted in Neale and Littledale:

One object amongst the ancients of such exposure was to mellow the wine by the gradual ascent of the heat and smoke from the fire over which the skin was suspended; and thus the words teach us the uses of affliction in ripening and improving the soul.

Prayer:

Father, for I have become like a wineskin in smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes. Though the smoke of this godless age surround me and enclose upon me, I will hold to Your statues. I am fully persuaded that You are able and therefore will keep me in Christ Jesus. Your imputed righteousness is not affected by the prevailing influences of this world. Thy wine is kept by Thee, and Thee alone. Therefore, though the smoke from the enemy’s fires blow into my camp, I will not fear or follow it. Rather let the smoke remind me of how sweet and tasteful Thy goodness is in this life and the life to come. And let this world’s smoke work to strengthen my resolve to walk with Thee, step-by-step in this journey. The aroma of Christ is my delight.