Next Part 4.
Psalm 119
80. "Let my heart be sound in Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed."
Let us ever be watchful over the treachery of our hearts. They are prone to nurture unwholesome desires. But deviation from God's law brings shame. Let us shun it as sure misery. Holiness may boldly raise the head.
81. "My soul faints for Your salvation; but I hope in Your word."
Intense was the Psalmist's desire to realize an interest in God's salvation. Through anxiety he fails in strength, as a deer panting for the waterbrooks. But in weakness hope cheered him. Let us strive for an increase of this precious grace. It will gladden and sustain us.
82. "My eyes fail for Your word, saying, When will You comfort me?"
If comforts seem to tarry long, the eye strained by constant looking becomes weak. Earnest cries wrestle with God for His restoring presence. The sigh is heard, How long shall trouble last? When will Your comforts again revive me?
83. "I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them"
Under the grievous pressure of this trial, the bodily appearance manifests distress. The shriveled skin loses all sign of moisture. It is dried like a leather vessel in the smoke. But grace still lives and feasts on the banquet of God's word.
84. "How many are the days of Your servant? when will You execute judgment on those who persecute me?"
It is sad when impatient peevishness frets. May the gracious Lord preserve us from such weakness. Under its influence cessation of life is desired; vengeance calls for wrath on the head of persecutors. This is our infirmity. May the Lord pardon it and tear it from our hearts.
85. "The proud have dug pits for me, which are not after Your law."
Haughty persecutors may plot evil against the Lord's followers. Such conduct is enmity to His law. Assuredly it will end in misery.
86. "All Your commandments are faithful; they persecute me wrongfully; help me."
In such trial it is sweet relief to remember that God is true. According to the faithful Word, help will be given, and the persecutors perish in their wickedness.
87. "They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not Your precepts."
At times their cruel plans seem to border on success. Let not the righteous be dismayed. Let the Word be remembered which can never fail.
88. "Quicken me after Your lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of Your mouth."
Let prayer be made that God, in the multitude of His lovingkindness, would infuse new life into our drooping hearts. Then upright walking in the Lord's ways will not flag.
89. "Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven."
Before the foundations of the world, the purposes of God were firmly settled. As He is stable and immutable, so they cannot change. Therefore floods of peace and trust pervade the believer's heart. Every event flies on the winds of eternal decree.
90. "Your faithfulness is to all generations; You have established the earth, and it abides."
From age to age God's faithfulness shines in unfading brightness. The earth abides in accordance with original design. There is no interruption in its progress. It pursues the course of immutability.
91. "They continue this day according to your ordinances; for all are Your servants."
The course of nature undergoes no departure from primeval will. All things act out the great Creator's plan. His word commands perpetual obedience.
92. "Unless Your law had been my delights, I should then have perished in my affliction."
Afflictions often threaten to overwhelm. Billows upon billows go over the sinking head. But the immutable Word is grasped, and it is found to be a never-failing plank.
93. "I will never forget Your precepts; for with them You have quickened me."
It is our highest wisdom tightly to grasp the Word. Let us set its precepts continually before our eyes. They are life-giving and life-sustaining. Let us enshrine them in our memories.
94. "I am Yours, save me; for I have sought Your precepts."
It is a happy moment when the believer can appeal to God, I am Yours. You have called me, and I have obeyed. You have quickened me, and I live to You. All my desire is to know and obey Your will. Therefore I cry to You for aid; save me, for I am Your servant.
95. "The wicked have waited for me to destroy me but I will consider Your testimonies."
I have indeed many foes. Plots are laid for my destruction. But I will not fear. The assurances of Your Word sustain me.
96. "I have seen an end of all perfection; but Your commandment is exceeding broad."
Many objects are full of wonder. They excite admiration. But their beauty is not durable; it quickly fades away. But the glory of God's law suffers no eclipse. The more we ponder, the more cause shall we find for trust and praise.
97. "O how I love Your law! it is my meditation all the day."
Mark the profession of the blessed man. Every affection goes forth in admiration of the law. It is his constant delight. At every moment of the day his heart lovingly feasts on it.
98. "You, through Your commandments, have made me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me."
Where can true wisdom be found but in the counsels of the all-wise and only-wise God! His name and His word are emphatic wisdom. They are the perfection of intelligence. They ever fill the believer's heart. Thus his foes appear as fools before him.
99. "I have more understanding than all my teachers for Your testimonies are my meditation."
The world professes to have schools of sage instruction; but the poorest believer, enlightened by the Spirit, is wiser than this boasted wisdom. God's testimonies are his meditation. Here he derives celestial understanding.
100. "I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts."
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