Next Part 7.
Psalm 119
141. "I am small and despised; yet do not I forget Your precepts."
The godly know well their poverty. They often feel that the world regards them with contempt. But these feelings excite warmer desire to be conformed to the Word of God.
142. "Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is the truth."
God's righteousness is exact conformity to His law. The blessed Jesus, in man's nature upon earth, exhibited this righteousness. It is the robe which secures admission into heaven. It is everlasting, and incapable of change or decay.
143. "Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me; yet Your commandments are my delights."
Man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward; but no affliction drives the believer from the law which he intensely loves.
144. "The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live."
God's law is immutable. No age brings change. Fully persuaded of this truth, the believer prays to be kept in its knowledge. It leads to eternal life. May it be our chosen guide!
145. "I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O Lord. I will keep Your statutes."
Prayer and profession are here combined. Sweet is the union. May they ever be conjoined in us! True prayer is an exercise in which the whole heart puts forth its utmost energy. Prayers should be heartfelt vows.
146. "I cried to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies."
Faith looks back hopefully on the hours in which prayer has been urgent. It supplicates anew for God's saving hand. It resolves to render faithful service in return.
147. "I rise early, before the sun is up; I cry out for help and put my hope in your words."
Faith is impatient to reach the mercy-seat. Before the first rays enlighten the east, it hastens to its morning work of prayer. Its hope rests on the promises of the Word.
148. "My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."
Before the evening shadows darken, it hastens again to the glad employ of holy meditation. Stillness aids the calm delight.
149. "Hear my voice according unto Your lovingkindness; O Lord, quicken me according to Your judgment."
The views of God's lovingkindness are incessant joy. Faith expects much. Its hopes are large, according to the measure of God's goodness.
150. "Those draw near who follow after mischief; they are far from Your law."
Plotters of mischief against God's servants are always near. They hate God's law. We here read the complaint of Jesus. But all malice came to nothing.
151. "You are near, O Lord; and all Your commandments are truth."
The workers of mischief are indeed near, but God is far nearer. His presence is granted according to His promises.
152. "Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever."
It is the immovable persuasion of faith that no word of God's mouth can ever fail. The soul is happy which reposes on this rock. May it be our settled resting place!
153. "Consider my affliction, and deliver me; for I do not forget Your law."
It is our privilege to bring afflictions to the mercy-seat. God is always ready to give ear. Relief will not long tarry. Happy is it when we can add the plea that His law rules within us.
154. "Plead my cause, and deliver me; quicken me according to Your word."
All our adversaries are silenced, when our great Advocate appears on our behalf. We may boldly pray, when we seek only the fulfillment of the Covenant of grace.
155. "Salvation is far from the wicked; for they do not seek Your statutes."
Sure is the destruction of the ungodly. Vengeance, righteously denounced, will righteously be executed. Where can hope be found? God's statutes are rejected. Self-willed rebellion fights only that it may fall.
156. "Great are Your tender mercies, O Lord; quicken me according to Your judgments."
The tender mercies of our God exceed all powers to estimate and praise. We need more love in our hearts. Our affections should more warmly burn. Let earnest prayers invigorate our souls. He gives more grace.
157. "Many are my persecutors and my enemies; yet do I not decline from Your testimonies."
Vain is all the rage and malice of the ungodly when God extends His protecting shield. When the enemy comes in like a flood, may we adhere more steadfastly to the rock of our salvation!
158. "I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not Your word."
An ungodly man is the saddest sight on earth. His course is unmixed evil. None gain profit from him. He passes to endless misery. Who can behold and suppress sorrow? This misery results from neglect of God's Word.
159. "Consider how I love Your precepts; quicken me, O Lord, according to Your lovingkindness."
Happy are those who with pure conscience can call on God to behold their devoted attachment to His Word. But still they bewail their dull and lifeless state, and pray for quickening power.
160. "Your word is true from the beginning; and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever."
Truth reigns in every word of Scripture. Its first utterance was true. Truth will pervade it to the end. Let this thought quicken our delight in it. It never can mislead. It will continue to be God's truth through everlasting ages.
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